BILL NUMBER: S357B
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to creating the profes-
sion of nurse anesthetist
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to create a scope of practice for certified
registered nurse anesthetists
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill creates a new Article 139-A of the education law
and defines the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesth-
etist.
Section 2 amends the references to who can use the title of nurse.
Section 3 expands the number of members on the state board of nursing.
Section 4 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) practice is not codified
in law in New York. Instead, the scope of practice for CRNAs is defined
through educational requirements and Health Department regulations. This
bill would create the profession of CRNAs and outline a scope of prac-
tice that is reflective of their training and education in New York.
Existing requirements for training, education, and certification of
CRNAs have resulted in high quality, professional care, and it is time
to codify and further define the existing requirements.
CRNAs have been providing anesthesia care to patients for more than 15
years. The value and need for CRNAs was highlighted at a new level
during the COVID19 pandemic when CRNAs stepped into key leadership roles
in treating COVID-19 patients. Given the need and value of CRNAs, it is
imperative to codify a scope of practice for CRNAs.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.769B, referred to Higher Education
2021-22: S.5435B, referred to Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect eighteen months after it shall have become a
law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any
rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such
an effective date.

Statutes affected:
S357: 6903 education law
S357A: 6903 education law
S357B: 6903 education law