Committee backs licensure for anesthesiologist assistants, 17–1

The Health and Human Services Committee voted 17–1 to report and refer Senate Bill 8 82, a measure to license certified anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Virginia.

The bill, introduced to the panel by Senator Locke, would create a licensure pathway for certified anesthesiologist assistants, who work on anesthesia care teams with anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. "This is a healthcare workforce bill that will expand access to care and reduce the strain on the current anesthesia workforce," Senator Locke told the committee, noting AAs are currently practicing in 22 states, including neighboring North Carolina and the District of Columbia.

The sponsor and supporters said the measure does not change training pipelines; it would authorize practice in Virginia for clinicians who already completed the requisite education and national certification. "This is a licensure bill. It has nothing to do with training," Locke said. Supporters pointed to a recent Joint Commission on Healthcare study recommending licensure; they contrasted that with a 2017 study that did not recommend licensure at the time, saying workforce conditions have changed.

Delegate Hayes moved that the committee report the bill and refer it to appropriations; a substitute motion was briefly offered and withdrawn before the final roll call. The report-and-refer motion carried 17–1.

The committee record shows limited public discussion during the full committee meeting; the patron noted prior subcommittee testimony had occurred. No fiscal impact was stated on the committee floor during the presentation. The bill will be referred to the Appropriations Committee as reported.

Votes at a glance: SB 8 82 — report and refer to appropriations, 17 yes, 1 no.

The committee did not take additional policy amendments on the floor; the bill moves forward with the sponsor's language as presented to the committee.