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Committee advances bill codifying CRNA scope of practice and liability protections
Summary
House Bill 289 would codify certified registered nurse anesthetists' autonomous practice and clarify liability protections for physicians and facilities; supporters said the change preserves rural access and may lower liability costs.
House Bill 289, presented to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, would clarify the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Idaho and provide liability protections that supporters say reduce barriers to rural anesthesia services.
Senator Carl Bjerke (District 5) told the committee the bill "clarifies the scope of practice responsibilities and liability protections for certified registered nurse anesthetist CRNAs in Idaho." He said CRNAs practice across settings in Idaho and often are the sole anesthesia provider in many rural counties. Bjerke noted Idaho has recognized independent CRNA practice since 2002 and said the bill "reaffirms their autonomous role in anesthesia care while ensuring appropriate liability protections for a physician."
CRNA witnesses described their training and role. Maria Conan, president of the Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and a practicing CRNA for 19 years, said CRNAs "provide safe, high quality, cost effective care in every setting where anesthesia is delivered" and argued the bill "codifies the type of care that we provide and have been providing for more than 2 decades and releases the surgeons and the facilities... with extraneous liability." She added eliminating that liability could help keep insurance costs down and "improves access to care across the state."
Shad Westover, a CRNA and former program director for Idaho State University's nurse anesthesia program, told the committee CRNAs "are held to the same anesthesia care standards as our physician anesthesiologist colleagues" and emphasized the role CRNAs play in rural hospitals and surgery centers. He said CRNA training typically requires critical-care nursing experience followed by three years of anesthesia training and board certification.
Committee members did not record opposing testimony. Senator Harris moved and Senator Blaylock seconded a motion to send House Bill 289 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
