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SB 148

TO ESTABLISH THE CREATING AN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKERS ACT OF 2025.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 1 co-sponsor

SB 148 allows newly graduated anesthesiologist assistants to practice temporarily in Florida, addressing workforce shortages and improving patient care while awaiting certification.

Notification that SB148 is now Act 587
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Bill Summary · SB 148

Summary of SB 148: Temporary Licensure of Anesthesiologist Assistants

Bill Number: SB 148
Introduced: October 09, 2025
Status: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Rules
Sponsor: Senator Harrell
Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

SB 148 aims to establish a framework for the temporary licensure of anesthesiologist assistants in Florida. The bill seeks to address the growing demand for anesthesiologist assistants by allowing qualified applicants to practice temporarily while awaiting certification, thereby facilitating their entry into the workforce and enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.

Key Provisions

The bill amends sections 458.3475 and 459.023 of the Florida Statutes to introduce the following provisions regarding temporary licensure:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    • Applicants must:
      • Graduate from an approved anesthesiologist assistant program.
      • Apply for and await results of the certification examination from the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
      • Submit a completed application and pay all applicable fees.
      • Have no disqualifying offenses.
      • Undergo a background screening as per section 456.0135.

  2. Temporary License Details:

    • Valid for up to 180 days from the date of issuance.
    • Nonrenewable; it expires automatically upon:
      • Successful passage of the certification examination and issuance of a full license.
      • Failure of the certification examination.

  3. Supervision Requirements:

    • Temporary licensees must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who has filed a written protocol with the Department of Health.

  4. Rule Adoption:

    • The Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine are required to adopt rules to implement these provisions, including application procedures and supervision requirements.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill primarily affects newly graduated anesthesiologist assistants who are in the process of obtaining certification. It also impacts licensed anesthesiologists who will supervise these temporary licensees.

  • Healthcare System:

    • By allowing temporary licensure, the bill aims to alleviate workforce shortages in anesthesia services, potentially improving patient care and access to surgical procedures.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on October 9, 2025, and has since been referred to the Health Policy and Appropriations Committees, as well as the Rules Committee for further consideration.
  • If passed, the provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.

This summary provides a concise overview of SB 148, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the healthcare profession in Florida.

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

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