The bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws by adding a new section (5-34-3.1) that outlines the procedures for the administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia by registered nurses and nurse practitioners. It specifies that only certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are authorized to administer, initiate, titrate, bolus, or maintain medications classified as general anesthetics for elective, scheduled, non-emergent procedures, while other registered nurses and nurse practitioners may participate in moderate sedation within their lawful scope of practice. The bill clarifies that nursing practice authority does not affect the licensure or practice of other healthcare professionals and establishes protections for moderate sedation practices, including definitions of sedation levels and the circumstances under which nurses may administer sedation.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 23-17-40 regarding hospital and emergency-care facility event reporting. It introduces new reportable incidents, including unplanned progression to deep sedation or general anesthesia that results in serious complications, while excluding CRNAs and certain physicians from these reports. The Department of Health is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section by January 31, 2027, and will report on various implementation issues, including access to care, workforce shortages, procedural delays, and patient safety considerations, by January 31, 2028. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
3184  SUB B: 23-17-40