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HB 1647

Board of Medicine; licensure of anesthesiologist assistants.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cliff Hayes

HB 1647 creates Virginia state licensure for anesthesiologist assistants, establishing regulatory oversight and standardized practice requirements under the Board of Medicine.

Left in Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 1647

Legislative bill overview

HB 1647 establishes a new licensure pathway for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Virginia by creating regulatory standards and oversight mechanisms under the Board of Medicine. The bill would allow qualified individuals to practice as anesthesiologist assistants within defined scope-of-practice parameters, filling a gap in Virginia's current healthcare licensing structure.

Why is this important

Anesthesiologist assistants are mid-level anesthesia professionals who work under physician supervision in operating rooms and other settings. Formalizing their licensure improves patient safety through standardized credentialing, increases transparency in the healthcare workforce, and may expand anesthesia access in underserved areas. This addresses a practical healthcare delivery need while establishing clear regulatory accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining exactly what procedures AAs can perform independently versus under supervision, and whether these limits adequately protect patient safety or unnecessarily restrict utilization
  • Physician oversight requirements: Determining the degree of direct physician involvement needed, which affects both safety protocols and the economic viability of using AAs in different settings
  • Workforce impact: Concerns from anesthesiologists about competition for positions versus arguments that AAs fill staffing gaps anesthesiologists cannot meet, particularly in rural or underserved areas

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

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