(a) The board may consider a request by a certified registered nurse anesthetist for an inspection of equipment owned or leased by the nurse anesthetist and of documents of the nurse anesthetist's practice that relate to the provision of anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The board, on payment of a fee set by the board, may conduct the requested inspection and issue an advisory opinion.
(b) An advisory opinion issued by the board under this section is not binding on the board. Except as provided by Subsection (c), the board may take any action under this chapter relating to the situation addressed by the advisory opinion as the board considers appropriate.
(c) A certified registered nurse anesthetist who requests and relies on a board advisory opinion may use the opinion as mitigating evidence in an action or proceeding by the board to impose an administrative penalty or to assess a fine under this chapter. On receipt of proof of reliance on an advisory opinion, the board shall consider the reliance and mitigate imposition of an administrative penalty or assessment of a fine accordingly.