HB 1263 Summary

• Establishes the Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act creating a licensure framework for anesthesiologist assistants under the Arkansas State Medical Board in Title 17, Chapter 95.

• Anesthesiologist assistants must obtain a passing score on the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants exam, be certified in advanced cardiac life support, and work under direct on-site supervision of a supervising anesthesiologist.

• Requires supervising anesthesiologists to file written protocols with the State Medical Board detailing the assistant's duties, practice locations, supervisor information, and emergency procedures before the assistant begins practice.

• Permits anesthesiologist assistants to perform 12 specific duties including patient history, airway management, drug administration, blood/fluid administration, and post-anesthesia recovery support under direct supervision.

• Allows individuals with at least one year of anesthesiology work experience before January 1, 2022 to receive a license without examination if they register with the State Medical Board before December 31, 2021; act becomes effective January 1, 2022.