HB 305, “An Act Relating to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists”, has been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. Sponsored by Representative Erik Fresen, this bill aims to fundamentally alter the relationship between CRNA’s and physicians from one of “supervision” to that of “collaboration”. The explicit purpose of this bill is to lay the groundwork for CRNA practice independence. In fact the original version stated it would seek to revise their “authorized scope of practice”. We feel this would jeopardize patient safety and irreparably harm the authority of anesthesiologists to direct patient care.
As an FSA member, you can be confident that your leadership has already been in full gear for several weeks, coordinating with our Tallahassee strategists as well as contacts throughout Florida and nationwide to develop a political plan to kill HB305. Visits are being made to key policymakers who will continue to receive the undeniable message that this bill is bad for the safety of Floridians.
We will keep you informed of our efforts to derail 305 and to make sure legislators understand the importance of physician primacy over mid-level provider care. The legislative session begins March 5, and, at that time, the full FSA membership may need to be mobilized. Until then, we will keep you informed of any developments as they occur, and please feel free to contact myself or any member of the Board of Director via cell for questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Chase, DO
President, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists of Greater Orlando Orlando, FL
407-947-1954 Cell
407-896-9500 Office
