The Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists is pleased to report that legislators withdrew their support for a bill that would have allowed nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia in collaboration with a physician or dentist. H.B. 1256 would have been a first step towards an opt-out of the federal physician supervision requirement. Similar legislation has been introduced over the past six years, but there was a stronger push this year due to Governor Rendell’s proposal to create universal health care. Members of the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists testified before House committee hearings earlier in the year. While it's possible that the bill could be voted upon later this year, it appears that H.B. 1256 has died this session.
Congratulations to the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists!