California legislators have introduced a bill that would allow certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice in the state.
The bill, introduced by assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley), would allow a CAA to work under the direction and supervision of an anesthesiologist, according to a March 26 release from the California Society of Anesthesiologists shared with Becker’s.
According to the release, the legislation requires a supervising anesthesiologist to be physically present and immediately available to the CAA when medical services are being performed, as well as accept responsibility for the services rendered by the CAA.
CAAs are authorized to work in 19 states plus Washington, D.C. The bill is pending consideration in California’s Assembly Business and Professions Committee.
Earlier this year, California Assemblyman Heath Flora also introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to clarify rules and regulations around CRNAs in the state.
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