Introduced By: Representatives Dennigan, Hetherington, Williamson, Fox and Giannini
Date Introduced : February 2, 1999
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 5-34.2-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-34.2 entitled "Nurse Anesthetists" is hereby amended to read as follows:
5-34.2-3. Requirements for licensure of the nurse anesthetist. -- Requirements for licensure as a nurse anesthetist shall consist of the following:
(1) Current licensure as a professional registered nurse in the state; and
(2) Graduation from an educational program accredited by the American association of nurse anesthetists council on accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs or its predecessors or successors, and which has as its objective preparation of nurses to practice nurse anesthesia; and
(3) Initial certification by the American association of nurse anesthetists council on certification of nurse anesthetists and recertification, as applicable by the American association of nurse anesthetists council on recertification of nurse anesthetists or their predecessors or successors.
(4) The requirements set forth in subsection (3) shall
not apply to a graduate nurse anesthetist awaiting initial certification
results, providing that initial certification is accomplished
within {DEL eighteen (18) months DEL} {ADD ninety (90) days ADD} upon completion of an accredited nurse
anesthesia educational program.
(5) The requirements set forth in subsections (2) and (3) shall not apply to a professional registered nurse who practices nursing in accordance with the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act and who is duly enrolled as a bona fide student in an accredited nurse anesthesia program providing nurse anesthesia under the supervision of a certified registered nurse anesthetist and anesthesiologist.
(6) Beginning July 21, 1992, all nurse anesthetists shall be afforded the same period of time to become licensed. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no person practicing as a nurse anesthetist in Rhode Island on July 1, 1991 shall be required to obtain proper certification under this chapter. However, as required by subsection (3), persons who become certified under this section shall become recertified as applicable.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
