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H 2484

An Act relative to anesthesiologist assistants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill licenses anesthesiologist assistants to expand surgical anesthesia workforce capacity and access under physician supervision.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2484

Legislative bill overview

H 2484 creates a new licensure pathway for anesthesiologist assistants in Massachusetts, establishing professional regulatory standards and scope of practice for these medical professionals. The bill was favorably reported by committee and is currently under review by the House Ways and Means Committee, which typically evaluates fiscal implications.

Why this is important

Anesthesiologist assistants fill a critical gap in perioperative care by providing anesthesia support under physician supervision, potentially increasing access to surgical services and reducing wait times in hospitals and surgical centers. States with established anesthesiologist assistant regulations have reported improved surgical capacity and workforce flexibility in anesthesia delivery.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining exactly what procedures and situations anesthesiologist assistants can manage independently versus requiring direct physician oversight, which affects both patient safety protocols and physician autonomy concerns
  • Cost and access trade-offs: While the profession may reduce overall anesthesia costs, physician anesthesiologists may view it as economic competition, potentially creating organized opposition despite workforce benefits
  • Regulatory clarity and oversight: Establishing appropriate licensure standards, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary mechanisms to ensure patient safety without creating burdensome or redundant regulations

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

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