June 17, 2004

Florida Governor Signs Bill Licensing AAs

Florida Governor Jeb Bush signed into law S.B. 626 licensing anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) to practice under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. The Governor’s action culminates more than three years’ efforts by the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists to gain approval of AA licensure. Under the new law, an AA may perform anesthesia tasks and services within the framework of a practice protocol developed between the supervising anesthesiologist and AA. The legislation also sets forth licensure procedures and authorizes the Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine to develop all rules regulating the use of AAs. The Act takes effect July 1, 2004.