In the letter, the ASA details the special training that anesthesiologists go through to diagnose pain procedures, interpret indications for various procedures, perform invasive procedures and treat complications. Nurse anesthetist training does not adequately prepare nurses to practice pain medicine, according to the ASA.
The Federal Trade Commission has urged the Alabama medical board to avoid limiting the role of CRNAs in pain management. While no available data exists examining the outcomes of chronic pain care delivered by nurse anesthetists, the ASA says safety studies show anesthesiologists have a proven track record of improved outcomes with the administration of anesthesia.
Read the ASA release on anesthesiologists and pain management.
Read more on anesthesia:
–Study: Improved Ultrasound Imaging of Injected Anesthetics on the Horizon
–Facility Use of Blood Glucose Monitors Leads to Treat Errors, Anesthesiologist Warns
