The board proposed in July that pain management procedures should only be performed by a “qualified, licensed physician” and that physicians “may not delegate to non-physician personnel the authority to utilize such procedures to diagnose, manage or treat chronic pain patients,” according to a copy of the rule provided by the AANA.
The Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists worked to defeat the rule by submitting written comments opposing the rule and testifying against it at an Oct. 2010 Medical Board hearing.
The Federal Trade Commission also asked the state medical board to reconsider, saying that unnecessary restrictions could reduce availability and increase cost of pain management services in Alabama.
The ABME said it needs more time to assess public comments and research by two national organizations.
Read the proposed rule on CRNA interventional pain management practice.
Read the Birmingham News report on the proposed rule.
Read more on anesthesia:
–New Jersey Anesthesiologist Leader Calls for Continued Physician Supervision of Anesthesia
–AMA Column Explores Anesthesia Provision Debate
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