The bill amends Section 61-3-23.3 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish an independent role for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in providing anesthesia care. It outlines the qualifications for licensure, which include being a registered nurse, completing an accredited nurse anesthesia education program at a master's level or higher (if licensed after January 1, 2001), and obtaining certification from the national board for nurse anesthetists. The bill allows CRNAs to provide comprehensive anesthesia care, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative services, and to operate either independently or in collaboration with other healthcare providers.

Additionally, the bill grants CRNAs prescriptive authority for therapeutic measures, including dangerous drugs and controlled substances, within specific care environments. It mandates the board to create a prescriptive authority formulary based on the CRNAs' scope of practice and allows for expedited licensure for applicants already licensed in other jurisdictions. The bill also emphasizes that healthcare facilities may establish their own policies regarding anesthesia care, ensuring that CRNAs maintain their certification with the national board.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 61-3-23.3
Final Version: 61-3-23.3