Committee advances bill removing written physician‑protocol requirement for CRNAs

HB 375, a bill to remove the written physician‑protocol paperwork requirement for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), was reported favorably by the House Health & Human Services Committee after mixed testimony from proponents and opponents.

Representative Gio Lombardo, the sponsor, said the bill does not expand clinical scope for CRNAs but eliminates a paperwork requirement. Proponents including Ryan Shores (CRNA and program chair at the University of North Florida) and Edward Tennant (Surgery Ventures/HCA Healthcare) testified that Florida faces anesthesia‑provider shortages that have forced surgery centers to close and that program training is rigorous. Shores emphasized education and graduation rates and urged passage to retain graduates.

Opponents such as Rebecca Bernard (family physician) expressed patient‑safety concerns, saying anesthesiologists at the head of the table improve outcomes when acute problems arise and arguing that autonomous CRNA practice has not demonstrably increased rural access in other states.

Sabrina called the roll; the transcript shows a roll‑call line recorded as "16 8" followed by the chair announcing the bill reported favorably. Chair Tomko adjourned the committee at the end of the agenda.

The committee record captures a balance of workforce access arguments and safety concerns; the committee moved the bill forward.