HB 12-1332: Licensure of Anesthesiologist Assistants

• Creates a new licensure framework for anesthesiologist assistants in Colorado, including eligibility requirements (minimum age 21, accredited education program completion, national certification exam passage, and application to the board).

• Establishes that anesthesiologist assistants must practice solely under direct supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist, with supervisory ratios limited to three assistants per anesthesiologist (or up to four by board rule after July 1, 2016).

• Requires patients be advised if an anesthesiologist assistant is involved in their care and mandates anesthesiologist assistants obtain authorization from hospital or surgical center governing boards before practicing within those facilities.

• Applies all existing physician and physician assistant regulations to anesthesiologist assistants, including disciplinary procedures, unprofessional conduct standards, reentry licenses, and peer health assistance program requirements.

• Effective July 1, 2013, with all references to anesthesiologist assistants integrated throughout Colorado's medical practice statutes governing licensure, discipline, unauthorized practice penalties, and volunteer protections.