The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA) is urging lawmakers to update state health care laws as Florida faces growing demand for anesthesia services driven by population growth, an aging demographic, and projected workforce retirements.
The group says current law limits how Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may practice by requiring physician supervision, which it argues can restrict access to anesthesia care in some settings. FANA is supporting legislation that would allow CRNAs to practice independently within the scope of their education and licensure.
More than 175 nurse anesthetists traveled to Tallahassee this week to meet with legislators and advocate for House Bill 375 and Senate Bill 462. The bills, sponsored by Rep. Mike Giallombardo and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, would remove the requirement that CRNAs obtain physician approval to provide anesthesia services.
FANA points to projected increases in demand for surgical care, particularly among Floridians age 65 and older, which is expected to rise significantly over the next decade. They also cite workforce data showing that more than one-third of physician anesthesiologists are older than 60 and nearing retirement age, while a large portion of the CRNA workforce is younger.
“It is past time to eliminate these antiquated laws and rules that reduce patients’ access to care,” said FANA President Ryan Shores, DNP, CRNA, APRN. “As Florida continues to grow and age, it is so critical to our highly skilled professionals can serve Floridians in hospitals and surgery centers, in small towns or large cities in all 67 counties.”
Florida currently requires physician involvement for CRNA practice, a policy that differs from most states. According to FANA, CRNAs are permitted to practice independently in 44 states, while Florida is among a small number that maintain supervision requirements.
The association estimates there are more than 6,400 CRNAs practicing in Florida. CRNAs are trained through advanced education programs, complete extensive clinical hours, and hold national certification. They provide anesthesia services in hospitals, surgery centers, and rural facilities, and in some areas serve as primary anesthesia providers.
The lawmakers sponsoring the bills say the measures are intended to expand capacity within Florida’s health care system and reduce administrative barriers as demand for anesthesia and surgical services continues to grow statewide.
Rep. Giallombardo said that “This common-sense bill not only cuts ridiculous red tape, it increases patient options as more hospitals and surgery centers will be able to provide this critical emergency service,” while Sen. Rodriguez added that “This legislation empowers CRNAs to practice independently, strengthens our healthcare workforce, and encourages Florida-trained providers to stay and serve patients, especially in rural and underserved communities, where access to emergency care is critical.”
