Bill > H5428

This bill establishes clear guidelines for the administration of sedation and anesthetic medications by registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), with specific restrictions and limited emergency exceptions. The legislation prohibits RNs and non-certified registered nurse anesthetists (non-CRNA APRNs) from administering general anesthetics like propofol, Etomidate, and volatile gases for routine medical procedures, reserving such administration primarily to certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). However, the bill does create specific emergency scenarios where RNs and APRNs can administer anesthetic agents, including critical life-saving situations such as airway management during rapid sequence intubation, maintaining sedation for mechanically ventilated patients, and addressing imminent threats to life or limb like cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or increased intracranial pressure. In these emergency contexts, nurses can initiate, titrate, and administer intravenous or intraosseous agents if they are acting within their approved scope of practice and are appropriately trained. The bill amends two chapters of the state's general laws related to nurses and nurse anesthetists, and will take effect immediately upon passage, providing clear professional guidelines to enhance patient safety during medical interventions.

Health and Social Services

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