New York Senate Anesthesiologist Assistant Bill

Provides for the licensing and regulates the practice of anesthesiologist assistants.

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Sponsor: HANNON / Committee: HIGHER EDUCATION
Law Section: Education Law / Law: Amd S6523, add
S6529-a, Ed L

S7628-2011 Actions

• Jun 8, 2012: REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

S7628-2011 Memo

BILL NUMBER: S7628

TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing for the
licensing of anesthesiologist assistants and regulating the practice of
such professionals

PURPOSE:
To create the licensed profession of anesthesiologist assistants under
the medical supervision of an anesthesiologist.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends Section 6523 of the Education Law to add
not less than two anesthesiologist assistants licensed in New York State
to the Board of Medicine.

Section two adds a new Section 6529-A to Article 130 of the Education
Law to provide for the licensure and practice of anesthesiologists
assistants. Specific provisions would allow for administration of 
anesthesia to a patient by an AA under the supervision of an 
anesthesiologist and who is immediately available. "Immediately available' is
defined in the legislation as remaining physically present for the imme-
diate treatment of emergencies and providing postoperative care.

Other terms that are operable in the bill are defined including:  
administration of anesthesia; deep sedation; general anesthesia; moderate
sedation; monitoring; office-based surgery; patient; perioperative 
period; and supervision.

Applicants for licensure as an Anesthesiologist Assistant must: be at least 21 years of 
age; be of good moral character; have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher
degree approved the State Education Department (SED); have completed an
anesthesiologist assistance program accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs; pass a certifying
examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of
Anesthesiologist Assistants; and pay a fee of $175.000 for initial
licensure and a triennial registration fee of $150.00 thereafter.

The bill provides that only a person licensed pursuant to Section 6529-A
of the Education Law may use the title Anesthesiologist Assistant or use
the letters A.A. after his or her name.

The bill provides that no anesthesiologist shall supervise more than two
anesthesiologist assistants at the same time.

JUSTIFICATION:
With the growth of managed health care, Anesthesia Assistants have an
increasingly visible role in the anesthesia team. This legislation will
codify practice and educational requirements and provide ongoing super-
vision of anesthesia assistants as part of the anesthesia care team. 
Anesthesiologist Assistants are currently recognized in 18 states.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New legislation.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
The first day of the 12th month after it shall become law.

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Anesthesiologist Assistant Resource Websites:
www.AnesthesiologistAssistant.com
www.AnesthesiaAssistant.com
www.AnesthesiaTechnician.com

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice:
www.DNAP.com

Telemedicine - Telehealth News:
www.TelemedicineBusiness.com