The bill amends the Public Health Code to enhance regulations surrounding the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. It allows licensed prescribers to administer or dispense substances from schedules 2 to 5 without requiring a separate license, while also mandating that they maintain a bona fide prescriber-patient relationship and conduct follow-up care to assess treatment efficacy. Additionally, prescribers are required to inquire about and document any other controlled substances a patient may be using in their medical records. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the licensure of certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs), clarifying definitions related to medical practice and modifying existing regulations for applicants with prior sanctions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of CAAs under the supervision of anesthesiologists, specifying tasks they are authorized to perform, such as developing anesthesia care plans and administering anesthetic drugs. It emphasizes the need for proper documentation and mandates that anesthesiologists must be physically present to oversee the activities of CAAs. Key provisions include new requirements for anesthesiologists to maintain physical proximity to patients and limit the number of CAAs they supervise concurrently, while also allowing for the delegation of specific tasks to CAAs. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and safety of anesthesia care while ensuring adequate supervision of qualified professionals.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.7303