AL SB156

Changes the practice requirement for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) from functioning "under the direction of" a physician to practicing "in coordination with" a physician.

Removes the requirement that a physician be "immediately available" when a CRNA is practicing, replacing it with a coordination-based relationship.

Adds a new definition of "COORDINATION" as a working relationship where a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician, or dentist and CRNA each contribute their respective expertise, including discussion of patient treatment and coordination in health care delivery.

Maintains Board of Nursing regulation of CRNAs and exempts them from collaborative practice agreement requirements that apply to other advanced practice nurses like Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.