The letter comes after months of confusion with respect to guidance over the role of CRNAs in anesthesia services and surgical procedures.In a Sept. 6 letter addressed to all general acute care hospitals, the health department clarified that the use of CRNAs in acute care hospitals must be approved by administration and must be at the discretion of physicians. The letter also said CRNAs may administer anesthesia medications ordered by physicians and are not authorized to practice medicine.
The letter contradicted claims by nurse advocates that California allows CRNA-only independent practices. In the report, a spokesperson for the California Association for Nurse Anethesiology said there is no evidence CRNA services are less safe for patients who receive services from physician anesthesiologists.
