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HB 2335

An Act amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as The Professional Nursing Law, further providing for definitions and for scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aerion Abney and 29 co-sponsors

The bill updates definitions and expands or clarifies the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Professional Licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 2335

Bill Summary: HB 2335 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Title

An Act amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as The Professional Nursing Law, further providing for definitions and for scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Primary purpose

To modify The Professional Nursing Law to update definitions and expand or clarify the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Pennsylvania. The bill is framed as refining professional standards for nursing practice and the regulatory framework governing CRNAs.

Key provisions and changes (as described in the bill title and scope)

Note: The specific text of provisions is not provided in the prompt. The following outlines reflect typical areas such amendments cover when addressing CRNAs within professional nursing law. If enacted, the bill would likely address:

  • Definitions

    • Revised or expanded definitions related to “certified registered nurse anesthetists” and related terms to ensure alignment with current practice, education, and credentialing standards.
    • Possible clarification of roles of CRNAs within the broader nursing and medical teams.

  • Scope of Practice

    • Clarification or expansion of what CRNAs may do under Pennsylvania law, including anesthesia administration, perioperative care, and supervision/collaboration requirements.
    • Specifications regarding settings in which CRNAs may practice (e.g., hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers) and any supervision or collaborative practice standards with physicians or anesthesiologists.
    • Potential delineation of certain procedures or patient populations that fall under CRNA scope, or transitional provisions for credentialing.

  • Regulatory and Professional Standards

    • Alignments with licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements for CRNAs.
    • Provisions related to scope-safety, patient consent, and quality assurance measures.
    • Possible updates to disciplinary or enforcement provisions specific to CRNAs.

  • Administrative Details

    • Implementation timelines, effective dates, and any phase-in periods for newly defined scopes or definitions.
    • Coordination with the Board of Nursing and other regulatory bodies about enforcement and oversight.

Who would be affected

  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and CRNA candidates in Pennsylvania.
  • Other licensed nurses and healthcare professionals who work alongside CRNAs (e.g., anesthesiologists, physicians, nurse anesthetist educators).
  • Healthcare facilities that employ CRNAs (hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, surgical suites).
  • Regulatory bodies and boards involved in nursing licensure, certification, and scope-of-practice enforcement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Professional Licensure committee on 2026-03-30.
  • Next steps typically involve committee review, potential amendments, and hearings before a full chamber vote.
  • Depending on committee actions, the bill would move through the legislative process toward potential passage and enactment, with any required regulatory rulemaking following law changes.

Potential implications

  • Clarified or expanded practice authority for CRNAs could affect staffing models, anesthesia delivery in various settings, and collaboration requirements with physicians.
  • May impact patient access to anesthesia services, especially in settings with CRNA-led anesthesia care.
  • Could influence licensure processes, continuing education requirements, and enforcement mechanisms for nurse anesthetists.

Considerations for readers

  • If you are a CRNA or aviation a healthcare administrator: review the specific definitions and scope-of-practice language to understand how practice authority might change, including any supervision or collaboration requirements.
  • If you are a patient or advocate: consider how changes to CRNA scope could affect anesthesia access, safety protocols, and perioperative care standards.
  • Watch for the bill’s text in committee reports for concrete language, effective dates, and any phased implementation details.

Note: The summary above reflects typical elements of “definitions” and “scope of practice” amendments for CRNAs within The Professional Nursing Law. For precise, point-by-point impacts, the bill’s enrolled copy or committee-drafted language should be consulted once available.

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

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