CA AB 2526

Title: Nurse anesthetists.
Author: Michael A. Gipson

Summary
AB 2526, as amended, Gipson. Nurse anesthetists. Existing law, the Nurse Anesthetists Act, provides for the certification and regulation of nurse anesthetists by the Board of Registered Nursing within the Department of Consumer Affairs. If a general anesthetic agent is administered in a dental office, existing law requires the dentist to hold a permit authorized by the provisions governing a dentist’s use of deep sedation and general anesthesia. Existing law provides that nothing under the act is to be construed to limit a certified nurse anesthetist’s ability to practice nursing.This bill would delete the above-described requirement that a dentist hold a specified permit if a general anesthetic agent is administered in a dental office and would instead prescribe specified circumstances in which general anesthesia or deep sedation is to be administered in a dental office by a nurse anesthetist.This bill would also provide that a certified registered nurse anesthetist who is licensed under the act and is registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency has prescriptive authority to select, order, or administer prescription drugs, as defined, upon a request issued by a dentist as specified. The bill would authorize a nurse anesthetist to prescribe prescription drugs only for an individual whom the nurse anesthetist has established a client or patient record at the time of the prescription. The bill would require a nurse anesthetist to complete training set forth by the agency upon registration or renewal of registration with the agency. The bill would provide that nothing under the Nursing Practice Act affects the authority of a licensed nurse anesthetist to select, order, or administer prescription drugs for the delivery of perioperative anesthesia services beyond the outpatient dental setting.Existing law, the Dental Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of dentists by the Dental Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law authorizes a licensed physician and surgeon to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia in the office of a licensed dentist for dental patients if specified conditions are met, including that they hold a valid general anesthesia permit issued by the board as prescribed.This bill would authorize a certified registered nurse anesthetist to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation in the office of a licensed dentist for dental patients if specified conditions are met, including that they hold a valid general anesthesia permit issued by the board as prescribed. To obtain that permit, the bill would require a nurse anesthetist to apply to the board on an application form prescribed by the board and to submit, among other things, payment of an application fee. Prior to issuance or renewal of a permit pursuant to these provisions, the bill authorizes the board to require an onsite inspection and evaluation of the facility, equipment, and personnel, as specified. If a nurse anesthetist fails an onsite inspection and evaluation, the bill would require their permit be automatically suspended for 30 days, as specified. The bill would authorize a nurse anesthetist who additionally meets certain requirements to apply to the board for a pediatric endorsement to provide general anesthesia or deep sedation to a child under 7 years of age.By expanding the scope of existing crimes under the Nurse Anesthetists Act and the Dental Practice Act, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Status
Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.

Bill Documents
CA AB 2526 - 04/08/24 - Amended Assembly
04/08/24 - CA AB 2526 (04/08/24 - Amended Assembly)