Certified registered nurse anesthetist practice laws are shifting across the U.S. as several states take legislative or regulatory action.
Since June 2024, six states have introduced or enacted changes to how CRNAs can practice:
1. In May, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed legislation allowing CRNAs to administer anesthesia in cooperation with — rather than under the supervision of — a physician. The law defines “cooperation” as a CRNA and a physician, dentist, or podiatrist working together as a team, each contributing their respective expertise.
2. In February, California Assemblyman Heath Flora introduced two bills aimed at clarifying CRNA rules and regulations. While details are still evolving, the proposals focus on refining practice boundaries and oversight requirements for nurse anesthetists.
3. In February, two Florida lawmakers filed bills — Senate Bill 718 and House Bill 649 — to grant CRNAs the ability to practice independently without physician supervision. In addition to expanding CRNA practice authority, the bills propose changes to licensing requirements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
4. In January, legislation was introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates that would eliminate direct supervision requirements for CRNAs. Instead, the measure would allow CRNAs to consult with physicians, podiatrists, or dentists in accordance with joint regulations from the state’s boards of medicine and nursing.
5. In June 2024, Massachusetts opted out of federal Medicare requirements that mandate physician supervision of CRNAs, a move that grants CRNAs more autonomy in delivering anesthesia services.6. Also in June 2024, Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser removed collaboration requirements for all advanced practice registered nurses, including CRNAs.
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