The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill that would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists in the state to administer anesthesia without physician supervision, local ABC affiliate KOCO reports.
What you should know:
1. The Senate passed the bill to accommodate rural hospitals that have physician staffing issues. If the bill is signed into law, CRNAs will be able to practice without being under the direct supervision of a physician, as is currently required.
2. In several small Oklahoma towns, CRNAs are the only providers for critical medical care.
3. Lawmakers have tried to pass similar legislation before but met resistance.
4. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
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