Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the CRNA Scope topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Subcommittee approves removing physician-signed paper protocol for CRNAs after contested debate
Summary
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee voted to report HB 375 favorably (13 yeas, 5 nays), a bill that removes a requirement for a physician- or dentist-signed paper protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists; proponents said it expands access, opponents warned it reduces physician oversight.
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee voted to report HB 375 favorably after hearing competing arguments about patient safety and workforce access. Representative Delivardo, the sponsor, said the bill removes an outdated requirement that a physician or dentist sign a paper protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and does not change CRNAs’ scope of practice.
Supporters said the change would ease staffing shortages and increase access to anesthesia care. Gina Hill, a doctorally prepared certified registered nurse anesthetist, told the panel the measure ‘‘does not expand scope of practice’’ and would ‘‘provide the same opportunities here in Florida and be an answer to the anesthesia workforce shortage we face today.’’ Hill said many CRNAs are leaving Florida for states that already allow independent practice.
Opponents led by Vicky Norton, speaking for physician organizations including the Florida Medical Association and Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, argued training differences matter and that ‘‘removing a piece of paper is also gonna remove the anesthesiologist’s oversight.’’ Norton warned that for complex or emergency cases, having an anesthesiologist available ‘‘saves lives’’ and said patients often do not know whether a physician is overseeing their anesthesia care.
Representative Salzman, during debate, said she was ‘‘extremely disturbed’’ by repeated hearings on the same bill but described personal experiences in which nurse anesthetists introduced themselves to patients and discussed options. The sponsor noted workforce data during closing remarks, telling members that anesthesiologists are aging in the workforce and CRNAs have increased in number, arguing the protocol removal will help fill gaps in 16 counties where no anesthesiologist is available.
The clerk announced the roll call tally as 13 yeas and 5 nays. The chair instructed the bill be shown reported favorably to the next step.
