Bill > HB1558

This bill establishes a licensing and regulatory system for Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) under the State Board of Physicians, defining an anesthesiologist as a physician specializing in anesthesia and an anesthesiologist assistant as an individual licensed to perform authorized medical acts under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. The bill outlines the requirements for licensure, including graduation from an accredited program and passing a certification exam, and details the responsibilities of supervising anesthesiologists, who must be immediately available for consultation and direction, and may not supervise more than four AAs at a time unless otherwise regulated. It also specifies the duties an AA can perform, such as conducting pre- and post-anesthesia evaluations, ordering certain medications under supervision, and performing advanced procedures, while explicitly prohibiting them from independently prescribing or dispensing drugs. The bill also sets forth grounds for disciplinary action, including denial, reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, for offenses such as fraud, unprofessional conduct, or practicing outside their scope, and establishes procedures for license renewal, temporary licenses, and expedited licensure for AAs licensed in other states, with the State Board of Physicians required to adopt necessary regulations by October 1, 2027, and the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.