Nurse anesthetists in Florida are not giving up their quest for autonomy. Anesthesiologists are fighting back, arguing patient safety.
Florida Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-Cape Coral, has filed a bill to remove physician supervision over certified registered nurse anesthetists, CRNA’s. A Senate companion bill has been filed by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Miami.
Nurse anesthetists in Florida, estimated to number 6,400, have been pursuing a change in state law for 10 years without success to be relieved from supervision of physician anesthesiologists. The intent is to practice independently.