Currently 41 U.S. states do not require physician supervision of CRNAs. | ARANA
Currently 41 U.S. states do not require physician supervision of CRNAs. | ARANA
The Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (ARANA) is urging the Arkansas General Assembly to remove unnecessary barriers for patients to access affordable health care, according to PR Newswire.
Arkansas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are currently required to work under the direct supervision of a physician. The Arkansas General Assembly is considering bills to allow CRNAs to practice without physician supervision.
"Removing barriers to CRNA practice will help hospitals and other critical care facilities to maximize their workforce and increase access to safe, affordable care for our patients," Debra Varela, DNP, CRNA, and president of Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists said. "Rural hospitals are essential to Arkansas' economy and rely on CRNAs for anesthesia care."
Currently 41 U.S. states do not require physician supervision of CRNAs and allow them to make decisions regarding all aspects of anesthesia care based on their qualifications of education, licensure and certification.
Varela said that leading health policy journals have demonstrated CRNAs' safety record and found no "statistical difference in safety to any other anesthesia care model."
Alerts Sign-up