Committee recommends licensure of anesthesiologist assistants after debate on rural access and training
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Summary
The committee voted to recommend House Bill 2368 (Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensure Act) favorably after debate about rural access, training pipeline and supervision requirements; a technical update to statutory references was adopted and the bill passed by division with several members recorded as no votes.
The House Health and Human Services Committee recommended House Bill 2368 favorably for passage after extended debate over access to care and workforce training.
Jenna Moyer provided an overview of the Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensure Act, describing the typical components of a licensure act: scope of practice, fees, fines and disciplinary provisions. The bill revisits which acts are delegated to anesthesiologist assistants and the supervision required.
Representatives raised concerns that anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) must practice under supervising anesthesiologists — a requirement that can limit benefit in rural areas where anesthesiologist availability is scarce. Representative McDonald and others said AAs are not a substitute for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), who often require prior ICU experience, and voiced worry about reducing CRNA training opportunities.
Representative Butler argued the licensure mechanism would support future workforce needs and urged a yes vote. Representative McDonald and Representative McCall recorded no votes at the division.
Committee members approved a technical amendment to update statutory references from '24 to '25 so the bill aligns with the current published statute books. After that amendment carried, the committee voted by division and the chair declared the bill carried out of committee. Several members asked to have their no votes recorded in the minutes.
The committee reported the bill favorably to the next stage with that amendment.