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 and eliminate the requirement for CRNAs to practice under supervision, thereby granting them prescriptive practice authority. Specifically, the bill amends Section 40-33-20 to remove the definitions concerning approved written guidelines and revises Section 40-33-34 to eliminate supervised practice requirements. Additionally, it repeals Section 40-47-197, which pertains to the supervision of CRNAs by physicians and dentists.

The amendments also introduce new provisions regarding the prescriptive authority of CRNAs, detailing the requirements for obtaining and maintaining this authority, including education in pharmacology and compliance with state and federal laws. The bill outlines the types of substances CRNAs can prescribe, the documentation required for prescriptions, and the conditions under which their prescriptive authority may be terminated. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the autonomy of CRNAs in South Carolina by reducing supervisory constraints and expanding their scope of practice.

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