MS HB1339

Establishes licensure and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants by the State Board of Medical Licensure, effective July 1, 2023.

Requires anesthesiologist assistants to graduate from an accredited program, pass a national certification exam, and meet board requirements; licenses are valid for two years and require renewal every other year by January 31.

Restricts anesthesiologist assistants to practicing only under direct supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who is immediately available and can delegate specific tasks, with practice limited to education and training received.

Authorizes the board to issue temporary licenses (valid up to one year) to graduates who have not yet passed certification exams, and to revoke, suspend, or reinstate licenses based on disciplinary grounds.

Makes unauthorized practice as an anesthesiologist assistant without a license a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in county jail.