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HB 5274

Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner and 3 co-sponsors

Texas bill requiring anesthesiologist assistants to obtain state occupational licensure, establishing regulatory oversight, penalties, and licensing fees for the profession.

Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
#anesthesia(s0387) #anesthesiologistassistantboard #texas(v0911) #anesthesiologistassistantlicensingact(p47p7) #anesthesiologistassistants(s0686) #continuingeducation(s0234) #criminalrecords(s0008) #medicalboard #texas(v0644) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #openmeetings(i0546) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
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Bill Summary · HB 5274

Legislative bill overview

HB 5274 establishes a new occupational licensing framework for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Texas, requiring them to obtain a state license to practice. The bill creates regulatory authority, sets licensing standards, and authorizes administrative penalties for violations and fee collection.

Why is this important

Currently, anesthesiologist assistants operate in Texas without specific state licensure requirements, creating potential gaps in credential verification and patient safety oversight. Formalizing their licensure brings professional accountability, establishes clear competency standards, and allows the state to enforce practice standards—similar to how other allied health professionals are regulated.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice definition: Uncertainty about what specific duties AAs can independently perform versus those requiring direct physician supervision could create implementation challenges
  • Licensing fee burden: New fees may increase costs for practitioners and potentially reduce workforce availability in rural or underserved areas
  • Regulatory authority: Disagreement over which state agency (medical board, health professions council, etc.) should oversee AA licensure and whether their governance should mirror anesthesiologists or other allied roles

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

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