AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS BY THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD SHALL REVIEW AND DETERMINE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR A LICENSE TO PRACTICE AS AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT; TO PROVIDE THE POWERS OF THE BOARD REGARDING LICENSURE OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS AND PRESCRIBE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ISSUE TEMPORARY LICENSES; TO PROVIDE THAT ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS MAY ASSIST IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE ONLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST; TO PROVIDE THAT ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS MAY PERFORM ONLY THOSE DUTIES DELEGATED TO THEM BY A SUPERVISING ANESTHESIOLOGIST; TO PROVIDE THAT A SUPERVISING ANESTHESIOLOGIST SHALL DELEGATE TO AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT ANY DUTIES REQUIRED TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE ANESTHESIA CARE PLAN FOR A PATIENT; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO REVOKE LICENSES AND TAKE OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST LICENSEES AND TO REINSTATE LICENSES AFTER REVOCATION; TO PROHIBIT PRACTICING AS AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT WITHOUT A LICENSE, AND PROVIDE A CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
HB 1415 creates a new licensure and regulatory framework for anesthesiologist assistants in Mississippi under the State Board of Medical Licensure. The bill defines key terms, including anesthesiologist, anesthesiologist assistant, supervision, and the certification examination, and authorizes the board to review applicants’ qualifications, issue licenses, issue temporary licenses, adopt practice rules, and discipline or reinstate licensees. It also establishes a board position to be filled by a licensed anesthesiologist assistant.
To qualify for licensure, an applicant must graduate from an approved anesthesiologist assistant program, pass an approved national certification exam, complete an application, and pay required fees. The bill also allows temporary licensure for up to six months for graduates who have not yet passed the exam, provided they take the next available test. Licenses are subject to renewal, reinstatement rules, and board oversight, with written findings required for denials or disciplinary actions.
The bill limits anesthesiologist assistants to practicing only under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and only within duties delegated by that supervising physician. It requires the supervising anesthesiologist to be immediately available and specifically directs delegation of duties needed to develop and implement a comprehensive anesthesia care plan. The bill also allows access to prescription drugs as directed by the supervising anesthesiologist, while prohibiting assistants from delegating assigned tasks to others.
HB 1415 would amend Mississippi law by creating a new regulated health profession and making unauthorized practice a misdemeanor. A person who practices or holds out as an anesthesiologist assistant without a license, or who employs an unlicensed person in that role, could face a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in county jail, or both. The act would take effect July 1, 2026, and would place enforcement, licensure, and discipline authority with the State Board of Medical Licensure.
The available context shows no committee transcript, vote record, or recorded opposition, so the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive based on the bill’s straightforward professional-licensing purpose. The main policy issue embedded in the text is the balance between expanding the anesthesia workforce and maintaining physician supervision and board control over scope of practice, temporary licensing, and discipline.
HB 1415 would add anesthesiologist assistants to Mississippi’s regulated medical workforce by creating a new licensing category under the State Board of Medical Licensure. It would authorize the board to set qualifications, issue and renew licenses, grant temporary licenses, investigate complaints, discipline licensees, and adopt rules governing practice. The bill also creates criminal penalties for unlicensed practice or employing an unlicensed anesthesiologist assistant, thereby expanding the state’s enforcement authority over this profession.
No committee debate or vote history is provided, so there is no documented public controversy or recorded floor sentiment in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a technical and professional-regulatory bill that is likely intended to standardize practice and expand access to anesthesia services. The tone of the legislation is structured and permissive, but with clear supervision and licensing safeguards.
The main points of potential contention are likely to center on scope of practice, supervision requirements, and workforce regulation. Supporters would likely favor the bill for creating a pathway for trained anesthesiologist assistants to practice in Mississippi and for helping address anesthesia staffing needs. Potential critics could focus on whether the bill gives anesthesiologists sufficient control, whether the supervision standard is strict enough, and whether the new profession should be regulated through licensure at all. The bill’s criminal penalties for unlicensed practice and its board authority over discipline and temporary licensure could also draw attention from professional stakeholders.