The 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 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and RNs enrolled in approved nurse anesthesiology training programs, are prohibited from administering agents classified as general anesthetics, including propofol, Etomidate, sodium thiopental, methohexital, and volatile gases (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane) for minimal, moderate, deep sedation, or general anesthesia for any diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedures.

The bill allows RNs and APRNs to initiate, titrate, and bolus intravenous/intraosseous (IV/IO) agents in critical life-saving situations requiring immediate airway management (rapid sequence intubation) or to maintain sedation for tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated patients, provided they are acting within their scope of practice and have the necessary training approved by their governing body.

Additionally, in emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb, RNs and APRNs may administer anesthetic medications to preserve patient life, including but not limited to scenarios such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and increased intracranial pressure, while acting within their scope of practice and approved by their governing body.

The bill also clarifies that the administration and/or titration of anesthetics for patients being sedated in critical care settings (emergency room, intensive care unit) who are tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated is permitted for RNs and APRNs acting within their scope of practice and approved by their governing body. This legislation will take effect upon passage.