Plain English Breakdown
The official summary states this law clarifies existing rules and court opinions rather than creating entirely new powers.
AB-876: Clarifying What Nurse Anesthetists Can Do
This law confirms that nurse anesthetists can choose and manage anesthesia for patients when a doctor, dentist, or podiatrist gives an order.
What This Bill Does
- States clearly that nurse anesthetists are allowed to perform anesthesia services.
- Defines 'anesthesia services' as care before, during, and after surgery, plus pain management provided under an order from a doctor, dentist, or podiatrist.
- Says a specific patient's order lets the nurse anesthetist choose how to give anesthesia.
- Allows nurse anesthetists to change or stop an anesthesia method while treating a patient if needed.
- Clarifies that giving medicine under these orders is not considered writing a prescription.
Who It Names or Affects
- Nurse anesthetists
- Physicians, dentists, and podiatrists who order anesthesia services
Terms To Know
- Anesthesia services
- Care given to patients before, during, and after a procedure that uses medicine to block pain.
- Modality of anesthesia
- The specific type or method used to give anesthesia to a patient.
Limits and Unknowns
- Nurse anesthetists must still follow an order from a physician, dentist, or podiatrist.
- This law says it describes rules that already existed in past court cases and opinions.
- The text does not list the exact date this new rule starts.