Monitoring Autonomous Practice Legislation for Florida CRNAs
For a bill to become law in Florida, it must pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form. Here's how the process works:
HB 649, titled "Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist," has already passed the Florida House of Representatives with a vote of 77 yeas and 30 nays on April 3, 2025.
SB 718 is the Senate companion bill to HB 649. It contains identical language and intent. For the legislation to become law, SB 718 must also pass the Senate, or the Senate must take up and pass HB 649 directly.
Before reaching the Senate floor for a full vote, SB 718 must pass through three committees:
Each committee operates independently, and the bill must pass through each one separately in the sequence listed above.
If the Senate amends SB 718 or HB 649, the House must then concur with those amendments for the bill to pass. If the House does not concur, the bills may go to a conference committee to resolve differences before a final vote in both chambers.
The committee process can vary greatly in length. Each committee must schedule the bill for a hearing, which can take days or weeks depending on the committee's calendar and priorities. The entire process from committee referral to Senate floor vote typically takes several weeks to a few months.
After both the House and Senate pass identical versions of the bill, it is sent to the Governor. The Governor has three options: sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or allow it to become law without signature after a specified period (usually 7-15 days).
HB 649 passed the Florida House on April 3, 2025, with a vote of 77 yeas and 30 nays.
Current location: In Messages (transmitted to the Senate)
SB 718 was introduced on March 4, 2025, and has been referred to three Senate committees.
Current location: Awaiting scheduling in Health Policy Committee
For HB 649/SB 718 to become law, one of the following must occur:
Taking up the House-passed bill is a common legislative strategy when time is limited, and provides the most efficient path to passage.
Take Action NowThe most effective action Florida CRNAs can take right now is to contact Senate leadership to request they take up HB 649 for consideration.
Please contact the following Senate leaders to respectfully request that they take up HB 649 (which has already passed the House with strong 77-30 support):
passidomo.kathleen@flsenate.gov
(850) 487-5028
Autonomous practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists would provide numerous benefits to Florida's healthcare system, as recognized by the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA):
CRNAs bring critical anesthesia services to rural and underserved areas where there are shortages of physician anesthesiologists. Autonomous practice allows CRNAs to serve communities that would otherwise lack access to essential anesthesia care.
CRNAs provide high-quality anesthesia care at a lower cost, helping to control healthcare expenses for patients, facilities, and the state. This cost-effectiveness is particularly important as Florida addresses its growing healthcare needs.
Removing unnecessary supervision requirements allows for more efficient delivery of anesthesia services. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses licensed as independent practitioners, fully qualified to make decisions about patient care.
CRNAs complete extensive education and training, including a minimum of 7-8 years of education and thousands of hours of clinical experience. Autonomous practice appropriately recognizes this advanced preparation and expertise.
Many states have already granted autonomous practice to CRNAs, recognizing their ability to provide safe, high-quality care. Florida would join this national movement toward recognizing the full scope of CRNA practice.
CRNAs are essential in emergency situations, trauma stabilization, and disaster management. Autonomous practice ensures CRNAs can respond quickly and effectively in crisis situations without unnecessary administrative barriers.
Autonomous practice allows CRNAs to fully utilize their expertise and leadership skills in healthcare settings. This promotes professional satisfaction and retention of skilled CRNAs in Florida's healthcare workforce.
CRNAs are experts in pain management, offering patients access to advanced techniques and therapies. Autonomous practice expands access to these specialized services, particularly important in addressing Florida's pain management needs.