Can Anesthesiologist Assistants Practice in Arkansas?
No — CAAs cannot currently practice in Arkansas.
Arkansas does not license CAAs and has no delegation pathway; a 2025 licensure bill passed the House but died in a Senate committee when the session ended.
Where CAAs can practice nearby
CAAs cannot practice in Arkansas today, but they can in 4 of its 6 neighboring states.
CAA Programs in Arkansas
Accredited training options and pathways for applicants from Arkansas.
No CAA programs are currently located in Arkansas
While Arkansas does not have an in-state CAAHEP-accredited program campus, prospective students from Arkansas attend accredited master's programs across the United States. Graduates of any accredited program are eligible to sit for the NCCAA board exam and practice in all authorized jurisdictions nationwide.
Compare cohort sizes, tuition, and deadlines across all active campuses.
Check required science, math, and general courses for every campus.
Step-by-step guidance from undergrad prep and shadowing to licensing.
Practice Authority in Arkansas
State Context & Regulatory Notes
HB1251 (Rep. L. Johnson) would have licensed AAs under the Arkansas State Medical Board with NCCAA certification and on-site anesthesiologist supervision. It died when the session ended, and the 2026 fiscal session took up no AA legislation; the next regular session is 2027.
Statutory Summary
- Legal Authority
- None — not authorized
- Effective
- —
- Practice Mechanism
- Not authorized
Legislative Activity in Arkansas
1 bill on record (1 failed). Enacted and failed bills stay listed as history.
Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act (licensure under State Medical Board)
Passed House 2/26/2025; died in Senate Public Health Committee at sine die adjournment
Last action: May 5, 2025: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment