SB156 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Nursing, Board of, scope of practice of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists revised, authorized to practice in coordination with a licensed physician, Sec. 34-21-81 am'd.

Summary

SB 156 would revise the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to allow practice in coordination with a licensed physician.

What This Bill Does

It changes CRNA practice rules to permit anesthesia care in coordination with a physician, rather than requiring direct immediate supervision. It clarifies that CRNAs and CNS are not subject to collaborative practice agreements and are exempt from certain rules that apply to CRNPs and CNMs. CRNAs must still be licensed by the Board of Nursing and practice in coordination with a licensed physician, podiatrist, or dentist who is immediately available. The act also outlines coordination and joint committee concepts and sets an effective date three months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): their scope of practice would be clarified to allow anesthesia care in coordination with a physician (and other listed professionals) and they remain licensed by the Board of Nursing.
• Physicians and other listed professionals (physicians, podiatrists, dentists) who supervise or coordinate CRNAs: they must be immediately available when CRNAs practice in coordination with them.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-21-81 to revise the CRNA scope of practice and allow CRNAs to practice in coordination with a licensed physician (or other listed professionals).
• CRNAs and CNS are not subject to collaborative practice agreements with physicians and are exempt from certain sections that apply to CRNPs and CNMs.
• Defines CRNA practice as providing anesthesia care under coordination with a physician licensed to practice medicine, a podiatrist, or a dentist who is immediately available.
• Maintains definitions and structure for advanced practice nursing and the joint committee while clarifying coordination language between CRNAs and collaborating professionals.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Nursing, Board of