Health Occupations - Nurse Anesthetists - Drug Authority and Collaboration
This legislation is poised to affect the health care landscape in Maryland by expanding the scope of practice for nurse anesthetists. By removing the need for a written collaboration agreement with anesthesiologists or other medical practitioners, the bill encourages a more dynamic and responsive approach to patient care. Particularly, this is intended to address potential delays in anesthetic management in surgical settings, enabling faster and more versatile patient treatment.
Senate Bill 312, titled 'Health Occupations - Nurse Anesthetists - Drug Authority and Collaboration', was introduced to empower nurse anesthetists in the state. The bill authorizes these professionals to prescribe, order, and administer medications, including controlled dangerous substances, without requiring prior approval from a collaborating practitioner. This significant change aims to enhance the efficiency of anesthesia services by allowing nurse anesthetists a greater degree of autonomy in medication management during perioperative care.
While the bill has been welcomed by many in the nursing profession for its potential to streamline anesthesia services, it has also sparked debate regarding patient safety and the quality of care. Opponents express concern that granting prescribing authority to nurse anesthetists could compromise patient safety, particularly in complex surgical environments where oversight and collaborative care are crucial. Critics argue that while nurse anesthetists are skilled, allowing them to independently manage controlled substances without a physician's immediate approval could lead to risks if not carefully regulated.