New legislation is being considered in California that would allow anesthesiologist assistants to work in the state, according to a Sacramento Business Journal report.
Anesthesiologist assistants work under direct supervision of an anesthesiologist and perform support functions. Currently, there are nurse anesthetists in California, but more anesthesia providers and support staff are needed, according to the backers of the legislation. However, nurses who could perform the same functions are now expected to oppose the bill.
The bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Professions, according to the report.