The bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws regarding the administration of sedation by registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It establishes that RNs and APRNs, other than licensed 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.

The bill details specific emergency circumstances under which RNs and APRNs may administer anesthetic medications, such as critical life-saving situations and for patients who are tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated, provided they are acting within their scope of practice and have the approval of their governing body.

Additionally, RNs and APRNs may initiate, titrate, and bolus intravenous/intraosseous (IV/IO) agents in critical situations requiring immediate airway management or when there is an imminent threat to life or limb. The provisions ensure that while the general administration of certain anesthetics is restricted, there are allowances for emergency interventions to preserve patient life. The act will take effect upon passage.