AR HB1205

Establishes the Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act as a new chapter in Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 95, creating a licensing framework for anesthesiologist assistants under Arkansas State Medical Board oversight.

Requires applicants for licensure to pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants examination, obtain advanced cardiac life support certification, and submit an application to the State Medical Board.

Mandates written protocols between supervising anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants detailing supervision arrangements, practice locations, duties, and emergency procedures, filed with the board before practice begins.

Requires direct on-site supervision by an anesthesiologist who is physically present and immediately available; grants anesthesiologist assistants specific medical duties including airway management, administration of anesthetic and vasoactive drugs, and post-anesthesia recovery management.

Permits individuals with at least one year of prior anesthesiology work experience to obtain licensure without examination if they register with the State Medical Board before December 31, 2017; act becomes effective January 1, 2018.