The proposed bill enacts the Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensure Act in Kansas, establishing a regulatory framework for the licensure and oversight of anesthesiologist assistants. It defines key terms and outlines the responsibilities of the State Board of Healing Arts, which will oversee the licensure process. Applicants must complete an approved education program, pass a board examination, and undergo a criminal history record check. The bill also introduces provisions for active and inactive licenses, including renewal and reinstatement processes, and establishes associated fees. It specifies grounds for disciplinary actions against licensed anesthesiologist assistants and prohibits unlicensed practice, with exceptions for certain individuals.

Furthermore, the bill allows for temporary licensure for qualified applicants, enabling them to provide patient services under supervision for up to one year, with a possible extension. It creates an anesthesiologist assistant council to advise the board and limits the number of assistants a supervising anesthesiologist can oversee to four. The bill amends existing laws to clarify the scope of practice for anesthesiologist assistants, ensuring they operate under direct supervision and do not have prescribing authority. It also updates processes for criminal history checks and modifies the responsibilities of supervising licensees, emphasizing active engagement and the need for current practice protocols, while repealing certain existing statutes to streamline the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-1163, 22-4714, 65-28, 65-28a02