Ohio House Passes Rep. Deeters' Bill to Modernize CRNA Practice Law

Columbus — The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 52, sponsored by State Representative Kellie Deeter (R–Norwalk), which updates and modernizes outdated statutes governing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Ohio.

The bill works to replace the outdated requirement that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) practice under "supervision" with a collaboration model. This allows CRNAs to provide care upon request from a physician, podiatrist, or dentist. It also retains the requirement that a collaborating provider be physically present during the crucial portions of anesthesia care.

“This legislation is long overdue,” said Deeter, a practicing CRNA herself. “House Bill 52 eliminates outdated and unclear requirements and replaces them with modern, streamlined language that reflects current training, practice standards, and patient care models. Most importantly, it ensures continued access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care throughout Ohio, especially in rural and underserved areas.”

Under the legislation, CRNAs will retain the authority to perform essential clinical tasks, such as selecting, ordering, and administering medications and treatments, while removing outdated time-based restrictions. The bill also clarifies that podiatrists may serve as collaborating providers regardless of practice setting, requires collaborating dentists to hold appropriate sedation or anesthesia permits, and streamlines Ohio law to reflect national CRNA education and certification standards.

“This bill was developed through months of collaboration and careful input from a wide range of stakeholders,” Rep. Deeter added. “It reflects a thoughtful, balanced approach that respects both CRNA expertise and the oversight role of physicians, podiatrists, and dentists.”

House Bill 52 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.