H 48 INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED RN ANESTHETISTS

Rep Marian Matthews

Actions: HPREF [2] HHHC/HCEDC-HHHC [3] DP-HCEDC- DP [4] PASSED/H (65-0) [7] SHPAC/SJC-SHPAC [12] DP-SJC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 48 (HB 48) modifies Section 61-3.23.3 NMSA, related to nursing, to provide an independent role for certified registered nurse anesthetists. 

 The amendment expands the role of a nurse anesthetist from an interdependent role, adding an allowance for an independent role. The law is also modified to replace the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ guidelines with “guidelines for nurse anesthesia practice issued by the national professional association representing certified registered nurse anesthetists". 

 Currently, the law only allows nurse anesthetists to operate in an interdependent role and in collaboration with licensed physicians, dentists, or podiatrists. If the bill does not pass, it will not be allowable for a nurse anesthetist to work in an independent role. Further, the law will not allow for any practice guidelines other than those issued by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. 

 Senate Bill 35, related to Anesthesiology Assistants
Senate Bill 80, Providing for an independent role for nurse anesthetists
House Bill 38, Rural Health Care Tax Credit