MD HB1558

Establishes a new licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants under the State Board of Physicians, requiring graduation from an accredited program and passage of the National Commission on Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants exam

Anesthesiologist assistants must practice under written supervision agreements with anesthesiologists and may not practice independently; one anesthesiologist may supervise up to four assistants at a time unless regulations allow otherwise

Licenses are valid for up to 3 years, with provisions for temporary licenses (up to 12 months) for recent graduates awaiting certification exams and expedited licensure for those already licensed in other jurisdictions

Authorized duties include pre/post-anesthesia evaluations, airway interventions, establishing IV lines, administering anesthesia medications, and ordering controlled substances with supervising anesthesiologist co-signature, but assistants may not independently prescribe or dispense drugs

Takes effect October 1, 2026, with the Board required to adopt implementing regulations by October 1, 2027