House pauses committee substitute to House Bill 14 37 after point of order over added code sections; CRNA language drew extended questioning

The Mississippi House on Thursday set aside a committee substitute to House Bill 14 37 — a package of revisions to the state Medical Practice Act — after a point of order that the committee substitute had added statutory sections not in the original bill. The chair found the point of order well taken and members voted to table the committee substitute.

The bill’s sponsor and committee supporters described the measure as an effort to modernize definitions in the Medical Practice Act, add advanced-practice licensure categories and put several mid‑level provider groups "in the same room" for future compromise. Supporters said the language was intended to recognize clinical nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives and other advanced practice nurses and to begin a process for resolving scopes of practice.

During floor debate members pressed on training and scope differences between CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists. Representative Porter asked how the education and supervision requirements compared; the bill’s explainer said an anesthesiologist requires medical school plus residency, while CRNAs do not undergo the same length of training. Other members questioned what would happen if complications occurred during anesthesia care and how responsibility and backup would be arranged.

The point of order raised by a member from Pike said the committee substitute inserted code sections (specifically cited as 73‑15‑9 and 73‑15‑20 in subsequent discussion) that had not been considered in the original bill file. The chair agreed the point of order was well taken, and the body returned to consideration of the original bill text. A motion to table the committee substitute "subject to call of the chair" was made and the ayes were announced in favor.

House members repeatedly emphasized that the committee substitute included a reverse repealer and that sponsors intended to continue negotiating language; the chair indicated attorneys would review the exact code-section insertions and the matter could return later with corrected procedure.

Ending: The Medical Practice Act revisions remain active as an agenda item but the committee substitute will not be considered until procedural issues over newly added code sections are resolved. The House left the original bill in place and moved on; sponsors said they would continue work with stakeholders to reach agreed language for future consideration.