Oklahoma House Bill HB2168

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Health care; Oklahoma Interventional Pain Management and Treatment Act; authorizing certified registered nurse anesthetists to perform certain duties; effective date.

Impact

Through the enactment of HB2168, the regulatory landscape surrounding pain management in Oklahoma may witness significant changes. By allowing CRNAs to operate pain management facilities and participate in the delivery of interventional pain management, the bill may enhance access to pain relief services for patients suffering from chronic pain. However, the bill also delineates clear boundaries regarding the roles of CRNAs, emphasizing their need for collaborative practice with board-certified physicians and the prohibition against prescribing controlled substances for patients to take off-site.

Summary

House Bill 2168, known as the Oklahoma Interventional Pain Management and Treatment Act, aims to amend the existing laws regarding interventional pain management in the state. The bill introduces modifications to various definitions associated with chronic pain and establishes the roles and capabilities of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in providing pain management services. With this bill, CRNAs are authorized to perform specific health care tasks in the area of pain management under certain conditions, which includes collaboration with licensed physicians in the state.

Conclusion

Overall, HB2168 reflects a legislative effort to adapt to evolving practices in health care while framing the roles of nurse anesthetists within that context. Its successful passage could signal a shift in how pain management is approached in Oklahoma, yet it will be crucial for ongoing discussions to ensure that patient safety and quality of care remain centered in this evolving healthcare landscape.

Contention

Notably, there could be points of contention regarding the delegation of interventional pain management responsibilities to CRNAs. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the adequacy of training that CRNAs have in performing advanced procedures traditionally handled by physicians. Furthermore, the restriction on CRNAs prescribing controlled substances could invoke debate as to whether this limitation hinders effective pain management therapies that require more comprehensive pharmaceutical support.