AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to anesthesiology.
Summary
HB0758 creates a new licensure and regulatory framework in Tennessee for anesthesiologist assistants. It defines the profession, sets education and certification requirements, authorizes the Board of Medical Examiners to license and discipline practitioners, and establishes renewal, reinstatement, temporary licensure, and rulemaking authority. The bill also makes unauthorized practice or misuse of the title a Class B misdemeanor.
The bill lays out a detailed scope of practice for anesthesiologist assistants working under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. It allows delegation of a broad range of anesthesia-related tasks, including patient assessment, anesthesia planning, airway management, invasive procedures, administration of drugs and fluids, monitoring, and certain postoperative care functions. The bill also permits the board to issue new licenses after revocation under specified rehabilitation standards and directs the Department of Health and the board to promulgate implementing rules.
Impact
HB0758 would add a new chapter to Title 63 governing anesthesiologist assistants and amend the composition of the Board of Medical Examiners to include one licensed anesthesiologist assistant member. It would also create criminal penalties for practicing without a license or for employing an unlicensed anesthesiologist assistant. The act takes effect January 1, 2026 for most purposes, with immediate effect only for rulemaking, meaning the board and department may begin adopting regulations before the licensure system becomes operative.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a professional regulation and workforce expansion bill with a detailed licensing structure rather than a broadly controversial policy change. The inclusion of a new board seat for an anesthesiologist assistant suggests an intent to incorporate the profession into state oversight.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the scope of practice granted to anesthesiologist assistants and the requirement that they work only under anesthesiologist supervision. The bill authorizes a wide range of clinical functions, including invasive procedures, anesthesia administration, and certain medication orders, which could raise concerns from physicians, other anesthesia providers, or patient-safety advocates about delegation and oversight. Another notable restriction is the prohibition on practicing in counties with populations of 85,000 or less, which may limit access to the profession in rural areas and could be viewed as either a safeguard or an unnecessary barrier depending on perspective.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 48; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.