Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists 'Dismayed' at CRNA Ruling

The Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists is "dismayed" at the decision of the state Court of Appeals to uphold the opt-out allowing nurses to administer anesthesia without physician supervision, the organization said this week.

"Contrary to the Court's opinion, anesthesia care is more than just a medication. It is a complex and potentially life-threatening medical service," said Kristin Woodward, MD, president of the Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists. "To abandon 150 years of physician supervision of this vital aspect of medical care unnecessarily lowers the standard of care in those hospitals affected by the governor's order and increases the likelihood of patient harm during surgery and other procedures."

The organization may appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court or seek action in the state legislature, said Dr. Woodward.

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