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 non-certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are prohibited from administering agents classified as general anesthetics, including specific agents like propofol, Etomidate, sodium thiopental, methohexital, and volatile gases (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane), for any diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedures.

However, it allows RNs and APRNs to initiate, titrate, and bolus intravenous/intraosseous (IV/IO) agents in critical life-saving situations, such as rapid sequence intubation or for patients who are tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated, provided they are acting within their scope of practice and approved by their governing body.

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 scenarios such as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, again acting within their scope of practice and with the approval of their governing body.

The bill also introduces similar provisions in Chapter 5-34.2, reiterating the restrictions on RNs and non-CRNA APRNs regarding the administration of general anesthetics and emphasizing that these professionals can only administer sedation in specific emergency circumstances. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the delineation of responsibilities and scope of practice for nurses in sedation administration.