HB1252 Summary

• Establishes the Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act to create a licensure framework for anesthesiologist assistants under supervision by the Arkansas State Medical Board.

• Requires applicants to obtain a passing score on the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants examination and advanced cardiac life support certification.

• Mandates supervisory anesthesiologists file a written protocol with the board before an anesthesiologist assistant begins practice, including supervision details, practice locations, duties, and emergency procedures.

• Permits anesthesiologist assistants to perform 12 specified duties under direct supervision, including airway management, drug administration, patient monitoring, and blood/fluid management.

• Allows persons engaged in anesthesiology work for at least one year before January 1, 2020, to obtain licensure without examination if they register before December 31, 2019; effective date is January 1, 2020.