California’s Department of Public Health has issued a letter clarifying the role of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in response to recent controversies regarding their scope of practice in the state.
The letter emphasizes that CRNAs can administer anesthesia as ordered by a physician, without the need for direct supervision by an operating practitioner or anesthesiologist. However, it stipulates that CRNAs must operate within their defined scope of practice, as the Nursing Practice Act outlines.