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HD 1575

An Act relative to anesthesiologist assistants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 4 co-sponsors

The bill creates a regulated framework to license and supervise anesthesiologist assistants, defining their education, scope, supervision, and disciplinary rules.

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Bill Summary · HD 1575

Summary: An Act Relative to Anesthesiologist Assistants (House Docket No. 1575)

This proposed Massachusetts bill seeks to add a new framework for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) within the Commonwealth, establishing definitions, supervision requirements, licensure, and regulatory oversight under the Board of Registration in Medicine.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a formal role for anesthesiologist assistants who assist in the practice of medicine related to anesthesia under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist.
  • Establish a regulated pathway for AA education, certification, licensure, and ongoing discipline to align with patient safety standards and national anesthesia-care benchmarks.

Key provisions (highlights)

  • New sections added to Chapter 112, creating Sections 12HH through 12MM, defining terms and setting regulatory parameters.
  • Definitions (Section 12HH):
    • Anesthesiologist: licensed physician with approved residency in anesthesiology.
    • Anesthesiologist assistant (AA): person who assists in medicine under the supervision of an approved supervising anesthesiologist.
    • Supervising anesthesiologist, back-up anesthesiologist, on-site supervision, and “in the same facility” definitions (covering diverse clinical settings).
  • Scope and supervision (Section 12II):
    • AAs may assist in anesthesia under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist.
    • Board may adopt rules governing the scope of practice, safeguards, and standards consistent with patient safety and NCCAA standards.
    • Supervision must be on-site and available for consultation/direction; “back-up” anesthesiologist designated for supervising absence.
  • Certification and regulation (Sections 12JJ–12KK):
    • The Board shall register, license, discipline, approve training programs, and maintain a roster of licensed AAs and approved programs.
    • Disciplinary actions may include license revocation, suspension, censure, or other restrictions.
  • Licensure processes (Section 12KK):
    • Licensure prerequisites include graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited AA program and certification by NCCAA (or approved successor), plus application and fee.
    • Temporary licenses may be issued to graduates who have not yet passed certification exams, valid up to 1 year to allow exam-taking.
    • Licenses expire annually on December 31; renewals require standard renewal procedures; reinstatement rules apply for lapsed licenses.
  • Drug access and safety (Section 12LL):
    • Notwithstanding other law, AAs may access and obtain drugs as ordered by the supervising anesthesiologist.
  • Compliance and enforcement (Section 12MM):
    • Provisions related to unlicensed practice and related penalties.

Who is affected

  • Anesthesiologists: potential supervising physicians responsible for AA practice and on-site supervision.
  • Anesthesiologist assistants: new licensed role with defined education, certification, and ongoing requirements.
  • Hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities offering anesthesia services: operational changes to supervision structures and credentialing.
  • The Board of Registration in Medicine: regulatory oversight, licensing, disciplinary actions, and program accreditation oversight.
  • Patients: potential changes in anesthesia service delivery with expanded AA involvement under supervision.

Timeline and implementation

  • Board-regulated framework to implement supervision, scope of practice, and training program oversight.
  • Licensure renewals annually (December 31); temporary licenses up to 1 year.
  • Board authority to establish and enforce regulations governing AA practice.

Status and next steps

  • Filed as House Docket No. 1575; introduced by Rep. Jay D. Livingstone (and listed co-sponsors). The text indicates the bill is a proposed measure to create an AA licensing regime, with specifics to be shaped by board regulations if enacted.
  • Readers should monitor for committee referrals, potential amendments, and any enacted provisions or implemented regulations if the bill advances.

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

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