RN ANESTHETIST-COLLAB AGREE
The amendments proposed in HB 2895 remove previous mandates that require a CRNA, along with other medical professionals, to be physically present during the delivery of anesthesia services. This legislative adjustment signifies a shift towards greater autonomy for nurse anesthetists, allowing them to operate under a more flexible framework. The effective elimination of certain collaborative agreement stipulations seeks to improve service delivery efficiency outside of traditional hospital environments, potentially increasing access to anesthesia services in more varied settings.
House Bill 2895, introduced by Rep. Anna Moeller, amends various sections of Illinois' Nurse Practice Act, the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act, and the Medical Practice Act of 1987. The bill specifically pertains to the requirements for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) providing anesthesia services outside traditional healthcare settings such as hospitals and ambulatory surgical treatment centers. A significant component of this legislation is the establishment of a written collaborative agreement between CRNAs and a physician, podiatric physician, or dentist. This aims to ensure coordination of care when administering anesthesia, while also streamlining some existing regulatory frameworks around the role of CRNAs.
While proponents of the bill argue it enhances accessibility and fosters a more responsive healthcare system, critics raise concerns about potential risks associated with less oversight of anesthesia delivery. The provision that enables CRNAs to operate without the physical presence of a physician during anesthesia could lead to complications, particularly if emergencies arise. As such, discussions surrounding the bill emphasize a balance between empowering advanced practice nurses and maintaining patient safety standards in the execution of anesthesia services.