The American Society of Anesthesiologists is urging CMS to keep Medicare’s physician supervision requirement for certified registered nurse anesthetists, according to a Nov. 9 news release shared with Becker’s.
CMS is seeking input on the future of the requirement, including whether to keep, revise or otherwise change it, through a request for information in its Cutting Administrative Requirements for Excellence in Patient Care proposed rule, issued last week.
According to the ASA, studies of states that have opted out of the supervision requirement show no meaningful improvement in access to anesthesia care, and that eliminating it would produce no direct Medicare savings.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology welcomed CMS’ request for information on CRNA supervision requirements. AANA President Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA, said in a statement shared with Becker’s that the agency is reviewing “an outdated physician supervision requirement that creates an unnecessary barrier to anesthesia care.”
“At a time when anesthesia workforce shortages are straining access, healthcare facilities need the flexibility to determine how best to use their anesthesia professionals based on patient needs and available resources,” she said. “The evidence is unequivocally clear that CRNA practice is safe, and we look forward to sharing evidence and real-world experience as part of the public comment process.”
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