Rhode Island House Bill H7426

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSE ANESTHETISTS

Summary

H7426 amends Rhode Island’s nurse anesthetist law to expand the authority of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), especially those with at least two years of supervised practice after certification and initial licensure. The bill creates a distinction between “supervised” and “non-supervised” CRNAs, and gives non-supervised CRNAs independent practice authority to deliver anesthesia care without physician oversight. It also allows these experienced CRNAs to issue certain prescriptions and medication orders, order and evaluate tests and imaging, and provide related perioperative services within the scope of their training and certification. The bill further states that hospitals may not limit the independent practice authority of a non-supervised CRNA, while supervised CRNAs must continue practicing under supervision meeting board-established criteria. It directs the Board of Nurse Registration and Nurse Education to adopt implementing regulations and requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to seek any necessary Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver so the services can be reimbursed under Medicaid. The act would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Impact

This bill would revise Chapter 5-34.2 of the General Laws governing nurse anesthetists by redefining CRNA practice authority and creating a new legal category for non-supervised CRNAs with at least two years of supervised experience. It would remove the physician-supervision requirement for that group, authorize broader independent practice and limited prescriptive authority, and preempt conflicting hospital or office policies to the extent they restrict that authority. It also places implementation responsibilities on the licensing board and EOHHS, including possible Medicaid plan changes to support reimbursement for the expanded services.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill, as reflected in the bill caption and explanation emphasizing expanded practice authority for experienced nurse anesthetists. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented opposition or recorded floor debate in the supplied materials. Based on the text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a professional scope-of-practice expansion rather than a controversial restructuring of care delivery.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the removal of physician supervision for experienced CRNAs, which shifts authority away from anesthesiologists, physicians, and hospital administrators toward nurse anesthetists. The bill also limits hospitals’ ability to impose additional restrictions on non-supervised CRNAs, which could raise concerns among health systems about oversight, credentialing, and patient safety. Supporters would likely view the bill as recognizing advanced training and improving access to anesthesia services, while critics may object to independent practice and prescriptive authority without physician oversight.