Bill > SB78

This bill modifies the existing law regarding Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in New Mexico, expanding their professional autonomy and practice capabilities. The bill clarifies the licensing requirements for CRNAs, which include being a registered nurse, completing an accredited nurse anesthesia education program (at a master's level or higher for those licensed after 2001), and obtaining certification from the national certification board. Notably, the bill explicitly allows CRNAs to function in either an independent or collaborative role, defining "independent role" as performing anesthesia-related services without supervision from another healthcare provider. The legislation also grants CRNAs expanded prescriptive authority, enabling them to prescribe and administer dangerous drugs and controlled substances within emergency, perioperative, and perinatal care settings. Additionally, the bill mandates that the nursing board, in collaboration with the medical board, develop a prescriptive authority formulary specifically for CRNAs. The bill further streamlines licensure by requiring the board to issue expedited licenses to CRNAs already licensed in good standing in other jurisdictions, typically within thirty days, and allows healthcare facilities to develop their own policies regarding anesthesia care.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=78&year=25