Bill > S0462

This bill modifies Florida law to expand the autonomous practice capabilities of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), allowing them to perform certain medical procedures without direct physician oversight in some settings. Specifically, the bill amends existing statutes to permit CRNAs registered under autonomous practice to administer anesthesia without mandatory onsite medical direction from a physician, though individual healthcare facilities may still establish their own protocols. The legislation authorizes autonomous CRNAs to determine patient health status, choose anesthesia types, order preanesthetic medications, perform anesthesia procedures, monitor patient responses, manage life support during anesthesia, recognize and treat cardiac arrhythmias, participate in post-anesthesia patient management, and place special medical lines. The bill clarifies that while autonomous CRNAs have expanded practice rights, they are still limited to acts authorized under existing nursing practice laws. These changes aim to increase healthcare access and provider flexibility by allowing highly trained nurse anesthetists more independent practice capabilities, with the provision taking effect on July 1, 2026. The modifications apply specifically to CRNAs who register for autonomous practice under section 464.0123 of Florida Statutes.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/462