The proposed bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws regarding the practice of nurses, specifically addressing the safe administration of sedation. It establishes that registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), excluding licensed certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and RNs in approved nurse anesthesiology training programs, are prohibited from administering general anesthetics such as propofol, Etomidate, sodium thiopental, methohexital, and volatile gases. The bill outlines specific emergency situations where RNs and APRNs may administer anesthetic medications, including critical life-saving scenarios and imminent threats to life or limb, provided they act within their scope of practice and are approved by their governing body.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that RNs and APRNs may initiate, titrate, and bolus intravenous/intraosseous (IV/IO) agents in critical situations, such as rapid sequence intubation or maintaining sedation for mechanically ventilated patients. The language inserted into the law clarifies the limitations on the administration of general anesthetics and specifies the conditions under which RNs and APRNs can safely administer sedation. The act is set to take effect upon passage.