HB251: HB251 Nurses; certified registered nurse anesthetist to order and administer anesthesia and an anesthesia plan under certain conditions; provide

25 LC 52 0644 House Bill 251 By: Representatives McDonald III of the 26 th, Hatchett of the 155 th, Powell of the 33 rd, Cheokas of the 151st, Gunter of the 8th, and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1 nurses, so as provide for a certified registered nurse anesthet ist to order and administer2 anesthesia and an anesthesia plan under certain conditions; to provide for definitions; to3 provide for liability; to provide for a healthcare facility to adopt policies relating to the4 provision of anesthesia; to provide for related matters; to pro vide for an effective date; to5 repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.6 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7 SECTION 1.8 Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotate d, relating to nurses, is9 amended by revising Code Section 43-26-11.1, relating to admini stration of anesthesia by10 certified registered nurse anesthetist, as follows:11 "43-26-11.1.12 (a) As used in this Code section, the term:13 (1) 'Anesthesia plan' means a plan for anesthesia care, includ ing, but not limited to,14 evaluating a patient, referring a patient to other healthcare p roviders when necessary,15 H. B. 251 - 1 - 25 LC 52 0644 choosing the appropriate anesthetic agent and technique, and ordering medications and16 tests before, during, and after the administration of anesthesia.17 (2) 'Coordination' means the process in which a physician and certified registered nurse18 anesthetist work together to manage a patient's care, including, but not limited to, sharing19 information, discussing a patient's diagnosis, condition, and t reatment, and developing20 and modifying an anesthesia plan to ensure the best possible delivery of healthcare.21 (b) In any case where it is lawful for a duly licensed physician practicing medicine under22 the laws of this state to administer anesthesia, such anesthesia and an anesthesia plan may23 be ordered and administered by a certified registered nurse anesthetist, provided that such24 anesthesia is administered under the direction and responsibili ty of a duly licensed25 physician in coordination with a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state.26 (c) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to restrict the authority of a healthcare27 facility to adopt policies relating to the provision of anesthesia.28 (d) A physician licensed to practice medicine in this state who is not providing the delivery29 of anesthesia shall not be liable for an act or omission of a c ertified registered nurse30 anesthetist administering anesthesia pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section."31 SECTION 2.32 This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law33 without such approval.34 SECTION 3.35 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.36 H. B. 251 - 2 -