WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 6286

Addressing the anesthesia workforce shortage by reducing barriers and expanding educational opportunities to increase the supply of certified registered nurse anesthetists in Washington.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 8 co-sponsors

Expands CRNA supply in WA by funding a preceptor grant program and a UW-led workforce study to boost training slots and guide policy for anesthesia access.

Effective date 6/6/2024.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6286

Summary — SB 6286 (Chapter 363, 2024 Laws)

Effective date: June 6, 2024

Purpose

SB 6286 is intended to address a documented shortage of anesthesia providers in Washington by expanding the pipeline for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), reducing barriers to training, and producing facility‑level data and policy recommendations to inform workforce solutions.

Key provisions

  • Intent statement recognizing CRNAs as essential, cost‑effective anesthesia providers and directing efforts to expand their supply.
  • Nurse Anesthesia Preceptor Grant Program (Board of Nursing)
    • The Washington State Board of Nursing must develop and manage a grant program (subject to amounts appropriated) that provides incentives to CRNAs to precept nurse anesthesia residents.
    • Grant funds must be distributed equally among qualified applicant preceptors who dedicate at least 80 hours per year to precepting nurse anesthesia residents.
    • The program’s stated goal is to create additional clinical placements so students can complete required clinical hours for degree/licensure.
  • Anesthesia Workforce Study (University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies)
    • UW’s Center, in collaboration with the Board of Nursing, the Washington Medical Commission, and the Department of Health, must study anesthesia workforce shortages at each facility that provides anesthesia services in Washington.
    • Reporting schedule:
    • Initial report to the Legislature due June 30, 2025.
    • Annual updated reports thereafter.
    • Final report due June 30, 2029, summarizing five‑year progress and making policy recommendations.
    • Required study elements include:
    • Factors and barriers to entry into nurse anesthesiology.
    • Assessment of current training and pipeline for CRNAs.
    • Recommendations to reduce barriers and increase clinical training slots.
    • An implementation plan to improve the CRNA pipeline.
    • Counts of qualified independent anesthesia providers (minimum: physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs) at each facility.
    • Policy suggestions to expand the workforce and optimize anesthesia service costs, including enabling independent providers to practice at the top of their licenses.
    • The study/ reporting requirement expires June 30, 2030.

Who is affected

  • Primary: CRNAs (as potential preceptors), nurse anesthesia residents/students.
  • Health care facilities that provide anesthesia services (hospitals, surgical centers, clinics) — subject of the facility‑level study and potential changes in staffing/clinical education access.
  • State agencies: Board of Nursing (administers grants), UW Center (conducts study), Washington Medical Commission, Department of Health.
  • Indirectly: physician anesthesiologists, patients, and the broader health care workforce planning community.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • The grant program is subject to appropriation; the bill itself contains no appropriation.
  • A fiscal note was requested/available. Implementation and the size of any grant awards depend on future budget action.
  • Legislature enacted the bill (Governor signed March 29, 2024); effective June 6, 2024. The study/reporting provisions run through 2029, with expiration in 2030.

Expected impact

If funded and implemented, the bill aims to increase available clinical training slots for CRNA students by incentivizing preceptors, produce facility‑level workforce data, and generate actionable recommendations to expand Washington’s anesthesia workforce and improve access to anesthesia care. The actual expansion will depend on appropriations and stakeholders’ responses to recommendations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.