The bill aims to address the shortage of anesthesia providers in Washington by reducing barriers and expanding educational opportunities for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It establishes a grant process managed by the Washington State Board of Nursing to incentivize CRNAs to precept nurse anesthesia residents, ensuring that funds are distributed equally among qualified preceptors who commit to at least 80 hours of precepting annually. This initiative is designed to create more clinical placements for nurse anesthesia students, facilitating their completion of required clinical hours for degree and licensure.

Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the Health Workforce Council, in collaboration with various health organizations, to investigate the factors contributing to workforce shortages in anesthesia care. The council is required to submit an initial report by June 30, 2025, with annual updates and a final report due by June 30, 2029, which will include findings, policy recommendations, and an implementation plan to enhance the pipeline of anesthesia care providers in the state. The provisions of this section will expire on June 30, 2030.