Ohio House Bill HB52

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/18/25
• Engrossed: 6/18/25

Caption

Revise the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists

Impact

If enacted, HB 52 will significantly impact state laws by expanding the recognized role of CRNAs in healthcare settings. It aims to provide CRNAs with the authority to perform a variety of anesthesia-related tasks, such as obtaining informed consent and conducting evaluations, thus empowering them to take a more active role in patient care. This change reflects a growing trend towards recognizing the capabilities of advanced practice registered nurses in the healthcare system and may lead to enhanced patient access to anesthesia services.

Summary

House Bill 52 aims to amend existing regulations governing the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Ohio. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance the scope of practice for CRNAs by clarifying their authority in administering anesthesia under collaborative agreements with physicians, podiatrists, and dentists. This legislative move seeks to ensure that CRNAs are fully acknowledged as capable practitioners within their specialized field, particularly in preparing patients for anesthesia and managing patient care during anesthesia procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 52 appears to be supportive among nursing professionals and healthcare advocates who argue that expanding the role of CRNAs will not only improve patient care but also alleviate the workload on physicians and other healthcare providers. However, there is some contention among certain medical associations that argue the bill might compromise patient safety or blur the lines of professional responsibilities within anesthesia care. This polarization underscores the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing discussion about the roles of various medical professionals.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns voiced by certain medical groups regarding the bill potentially allowing CRNAs to operate outside their traditional scope of practice, particularly regarding the supervision and collaborative agreements required with physicians. Critics fear that the changes could lead to inconsistencies in anesthesia administration or compromise patient safety due to a perceived overreach of CRNAs' roles. Proponents, conversely, emphasize the training and expertise that CRNAs possess, arguing that this bill will facilitate better healthcare delivery.