The bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws regarding the administration of anesthesia 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 medications such as propofol, Etomidate, sodium thiopental, methohexital, and volatile gases (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane), for any diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedures.

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

Additionally, the bill outlines emergency circumstances where RNs and APRNs can administer anesthetic medications to preserve patient life, including situations involving cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, while still acting within their scope of practice and with the approval of their governing body. It clarifies that the administration and/or titration of anesthetics for patients being sedated in critical care settings (such as emergency rooms and intensive care units) is permissible for RNs and APRNs under the same conditions.

The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the limitations on anesthesia administration by non-CRNA nurses while ensuring they can respond effectively in emergencies.