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Committee tables bill to license anesthesiology assistants after extended debate
Summary
The Public Health and Welfare Committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 2669 to create a license for anesthesiology assistants but voted to table the measure subject to call to allow further input from stakeholders.
The Mississippi Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee tabled Senate Bill 2669, a proposal to license anesthesiology assistants, after extended testimony and questions from committee members.
Supporters, including anesthesiologist Tyler Stowell, told the committee the proposal would create a new mid-level anesthesia provider pathway and help address shortages of anesthesia personnel in Mississippi hospitals. "We have a shortage of mid level anesthesia providers in this state," Stowell said, describing a 24–28 month graduate program and clinical training model that would place assistants in a medical-direction team with anesthesiologists.
Stan Baldwin, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics at Mississippi College, said Mississippi College has considered developing a training program and that graduates now sometimes must leave the state to practice. He described parallels between the proposed anesthesiology assistant (AA) program and physician assistant programs the college already operates.
Committee members pressed for data and raised safety and scope concerns. Senator Parker asked for comparative malpractice and safety data and said she wanted more time to solicit opposition and supporting testimony. Senator Hickman asked how many jurisdictions license AAs; the presenters said AAs are licensed in about 20 jurisdictions, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina and in the Veterans Administration system.
Presenters said AAs would practice under medical direction — with an anesthesiologist supervising multiple rooms — and that published studies and payers treat AAs comparably to other mid-level anesthesia providers. Stowell said AAs undergo substantial clinical training (about 2,000 clinical hours) and that the care-team model is used safely in other states.
Opponents (statements filed or expected) were invited to speak; the committee agreed to allow additional parties to present opposing views and for members to obtain more information before final consideration.
After discussion, the committee approved a motion to table the bill subject to call, allowing time for CRNA representatives, other providers and additional data to be presented at a later meeting.
