A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-33-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE NURSE PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST MAY ONLY USE THE ABBREVIATION "CRNA" OR A VARIATION OR SUBDESIGNATION OF CRNA TO INDICATE THAT THE PERSON IS PRACTICING AS CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Section 40-33-20(19) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (19)(a) "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist" or "CRNA" means an advanced practice registered nurse who:

           (a)(i) has successfully completed an advanced, organized formal CRNA education program at a minimum of the master's level accredited by the national accrediting organization of this specialty area and that is recognized by the board;

           (b)(ii) is certified by a board-approved national certifying organization;  and

           (c)(iii) demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in the delivery of anesthesia services.

        (b) A CRNA must practice in accordance with approved written guidelines developed under supervision of a licensed physician or dentist or approved by the medical staff within the facility where practice privileges have been granted.

       (c) A certified registered nurse anesthetist may only use the abbreviation "CRNA" or a variation or subdesignation of CRNA to indicate that the person is practicing as certified registered nurse anesthetist. A certified registered nurse anesthetist is prohibited from using any medical or medical specialty designation, including, but not limited to, those designations identified in Section 40-27-20(36)(g) either alone or in combination with any nursing abbreviation.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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