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Nurse Anesthetists' Scope of Practice Challenged Again in CA

Cheryl Clark, for HealthLeaders Media, February 3, 2011

"But nurses are not trained to react to the myriad potential complications that can arise in the administration of anesthesia. Patients place thorough trust in their physicians when they must undergo surgery. Requiring physician supervision is one important element of ensuring the best quality of care."

The California Medical Association represents more than 35,000 physicians, while the California Society of Anesthesiologists represents about 4,000 physician anesthesiologists.

 
See Also:

CA Court Rejects Nurse Anesthetists Supervision Petition

Doctors Sue to Stop Nurse Anesthetists from Administering Anesthesia

Nurse Anesthetists Say They Practice Safely Without Physician Supervision

Nurse Anesthetists Battle Overlooks Rural Doctor Shortage

Cheryl Clark is senior quality editor and California correspondent for HealthLeaders Media. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists.
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2 comments on "Nurse Anesthetists' Scope of Practice Challenged Again in CA"


Karin Wille (2/9/2011 at 12:27 PM)
I work in a rural hospital and we have a CRNA who routinely and expertly handles any and all types of emergencies. When we bring in new surgeons, they are usually leary of working with "just" a CRNA, but once they have been in the OR with him one time, they are confident in his abilities and no longer feel the need for a physician anesthetist. Our CRNA has been our primary anethesia provider for both emergency situations and during surgery for well over 10 years with NO incidents. CRNAs are highly trained, highly skilled, and do provide excellent care.

Patti A. Sims, CPMSM, CPCS (2/4/2011 at 3:36 PM)
As a patient, I would only want a physician to administer my anesthesia. I would only allow a CRNA if they are under the supervision of a physician. There may be some benefit in rural areas to a CRNQ working without supervision, but as a patient would not support non-supervised CRNA's.