Utah House approves licensure path for anesthesiologist assistants after amendment on staffing ratio

The Utah House on Feb. 16 approved SB 121, creating a licensing pathway for certified anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) to practice under the supervision of licensed anesthesiologists.

Representative Ryan D. Schultz, sponsor, told colleagues that AAs have decades of clinical experience and that data from other states show comparable safety to current providers. He said the proposal would increase workforce options and competition in anesthesia care. “We shouldn’t use licensure as a barrier to entry unless there’s a compelling safety concern,” Schultz said.

Representative James A. Dunnigan moved and the House adopted Amendment No. 4, which clarifies language to set an anesthesiologist-to-assistant ratio at 1:4 and removes a provision that would have allowed temporary licensure for up to 12 months. Supporters said the amendment aligns the bill with current practice acts and addresses consistency concerns raised by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

Opponents urged caution, saying the state already has a trained pool of CRNAs who serve rural areas and questioned whether AAs are needed in every community. Representative Rustin/Nielsen (floor exchange) noted that existing CRNAs could fill gaps in many places, while Representative Thurston and others argued the measure helps qualified professionals licensed elsewhere to practice in Utah.

After debate and the amendment’s adoption, the House approved SB 121 by recorded vote, 58 yeas and 13 nays. The bill will return to the Senate for further consideration.

The House record shows proponents citing workforce shortages in some trauma centers and hospitals and references to safety data from other states; opponents emphasized preserving opportunities for CRNAs in Utah. The amendment’s text and the adopted ratio will be part of the bill language sent back to the Senate.

The next formal step is Senate consideration of the modified bill.