02/03/2020

CRNA Scope of Practice Bill Passes Ohio House

After compromise with bill authors and stakeholders, OSMA and anesthesiology society are satisfied bill will not harm quality of care

On January 28, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 224, which would expand the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). As originally introduced by the bill sponsors, Reps. Jon Cross (R—Kenton) and Shane Wilkin (R—Lynchburg), HB 224 was a re-introduction of troubling legislation which failed to pass in the last General Assembly.

However, after numerous stakeholder meetings, hearings, and compromises, the Ohio State Medical Society (OSMA) and the Ohio Society of Anesthesiologists (OSA) have announced their neutrality on the substitute version of the bill unveiled in December. In a statement, the OSMA and the OSA said the revisions represent a “fair compromise that balances both the desire by CRNAs to have more authority while maintaining physician involvement and oversight that ensures the best quality of care for patients.”

In the final bill passed by the House, HB 224 contained a number of meaningful compromise provisions, including:

• CRNAs are able to order drugs, tests, intravenous fluids, and treatments during the perioperative period if the facility has a policy delineating such authority
• CRNAs are able to direct registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists to provide supportive care both within the perioperative period and within the facility
• Supervising physicians may opt out of the CRNA expanded authority if they believe it is in the best interest of the patient
• Clinical support functions are clarified for CRNAs and do not include ordering of drugs, tests, intravenous fluids or treatments

Now that the legislation has passed the House, HB 224 will be considered by the Ohio Senate.