The bill S. 360 aims to amend the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act by making significant changes to the regulations governing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). It proposes to remove the definitions related to "approved written guidelines" for CRNAs from Section 40-33-20 and eliminate the requirement for supervised practice in Section 40-33-34. Additionally, the bill grants CRNAs prescriptive practice authority, allowing them to prescribe medications under certain conditions. The bill also mandates that CRNAs must develop and maintain approved written guidelines in collaboration with supervising physicians or dentists, which must be reviewed annually.

Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 40-47-197, which pertains to the supervision of CRNAs by physicians and dentists, thereby removing the supervisory requirement altogether. This legislative change is intended to enhance the autonomy of CRNAs in their practice while ensuring they adhere to specific guidelines and maintain accountability through documentation and reporting requirements. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/19/2025: 40-33-20, 40-33-34, 40-47-197
Latest Version: 40-33-20, 40-33-34, 40-47-197