AB 876: Nurse anesthetists: scope of practice.

The bill amends existing law to clarify the scope of practice for nurse anesthetists. A nurse anesthetist is authorized to perform anesthesia services, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care and pain management, under the order of a physician, dentist, or podiatrist. The bill defines "anesthesia services" and states that an order by a healthcare professional for anesthesia services is deemed authorization for the nurse anesthetist to select and implement anesthesia modality. The bill also clarifies that the selection and administration of medication by a nurse anesthetist for anesthesia purposes does not constitute a prescription. The bill is declaratory of existing law and advisory opinion, including relevant case law.