H.B. No. 5274 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for anesthesiologist assistants in Texas by introducing Chapter 207 to the Occupations Code, titled the "Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensing Act." The bill defines key terms, mandates that individuals must be licensed to practice as anesthesiologist assistants, and specifies exemptions for certain health care workers who do not represent themselves as anesthesiologist assistants. It also creates the Texas Anesthesiologist Assistant Board, composed of five members, including two anesthesiologist assistants and two anesthesiologists, responsible for adopting rules related to licensing, renewal, and disciplinary actions, all subject to approval by the medical board.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the licensing requirements for anesthesiologist assistants, which include completing an accredited training program, passing a certifying examination, and undergoing a criminal history check. It amends existing law to allow the Texas Medical Board to obtain criminal history record information for anesthesiologist assistants and sets a timeline for implementation, allowing current practitioners to operate without a license until September 1, 2026. The board is required to adopt necessary rules by June 1, 2026, and the bill includes provisions for administrative penalties for violations, while clarifying that anesthesiologist assistants do not practice medicine independently.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.12510 (Government Code 411)