New York Senate Bill S02302

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes certification procedures for the profession of nurse anesthesia; provides for the issuance of a certification to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist upon the filing of an application, having a license as a registered professional nurse, having the appropriate educational requirements and paying the fifty dollar initial certification fee and the triennial thirty dollar registration fee.

Summary

Bill S02302 aims to amend the education law to establish certification procedures for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in New York. The bill recognizes CRNAs as advanced practice nurses with a national professional certification, codifying their scope of practice in anesthesia services. This includes the administration of anesthesia, pre-anesthetic evaluations, and post-anesthesia care, all of which must be performed under a written practice agreement with a collaborating physician. The bill also sets forth the requirements for obtaining a certification to practice as a CRNA, including educational prerequisites and fees.

Impact

The passage of this bill would formally recognize the role of CRNAs in the healthcare system, enhancing patient safety by clearly defining their scope of practice. It would amend existing education law to include specific certification requirements for CRNAs, which could lead to increased accountability and standardization in the administration of anesthesia services across various healthcare facilities in New York.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S02302 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to enhance the professional recognition and operational framework for CRNAs. However, there may be concerns from some nursing professionals regarding the implications of the practice agreements and the collaborative nature of CRNA practice with physicians.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential limitations imposed by the practice agreements, particularly regarding the resolution of disagreements between CRNAs and collaborating physicians. Some nursing advocates may argue that this could undermine the autonomy of CRNAs. Additionally, there may be concerns about the ratio of CRNAs to collaborating physicians, as the bill limits physicians to agreements with no more than four CRNAs not located on the same premises.