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 the elective and/or independent administration of general anesthetics, including propofol, Etomidate, sodium thiopental, methohexital, and volatile gases, is not within the scope of practice for RNs and non-CRNA APRNs, except for licensed certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and RNs enrolled in approved nurse anesthesiology training programs. The bill outlines specific emergency circumstances under which RNs and APRNs may administer anesthetic medications, including critical life-saving situations requiring airway management and scenarios where there is an imminent threat to life or limb, such as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. It also allows for the administration and/or titration of anesthetics for patients who are tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated in critical care settings, provided that RNs and APRNs are acting within their scope of practice and have the necessary approvals.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section in Chapter 5-34.2, which mirrors the restrictions and emergency provisions outlined in Chapter 5-34, ensuring consistent application of the limitations on administering general anesthetics across both chapters. The act is designed to clarify the scope of practice for RNs and APRNs in relation to sedation and anesthesia, emphasizing patient safety while allowing for necessary interventions in life-threatening situations. The bill will take effect upon passage.