Senate panel advances bill to raise anesthesiologist‑assistant supervision ratio from 2:1 to 4:1

The Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee voted to give a favorable report to Senate Bill 236, which would permit supervising anesthesiologists to oversee up to four anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) at one time and would remove a statutory requirement that AA license applicants appear in person before a board member.

The bill drew support from hospital associations, educators and anesthesiology assistants who said the 2:1 supervision limit in current South Carolina law constrains workforce growth, training and the state’s ability to retain clinicians. Opponents, including representatives of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), said the change would not increase access to care in rural areas and could leave some clinical settings with less immediate expert backup.

Supporters told the committee that South Carolina is one of the few states with a 2:1 AA supervision limit. Cody Price, identified as a member of the Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants and a practicing AA in Myrtle Beach, said, “AAs have been practicing in South Carolina for over 24 years and the passing of Senate bill 236 would result in more AAs…