Jorge Valdes: State’s nurse anesthetists to continue advocacy to solve workforce crisis

During the 2014 legislative session, lawmakers failed to grant Florida’s nurse anesthetists the authority to administer anesthesia without physician supervision.

Nonetheless, we look forward to continuing to be a part of the solution to Florida’s health-care workforce crisis.

Before the session came to a close, lawmakers were positioned to allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to administer anesthesia without physician supervision as part of their health-care legislative package. The provision was included in House Bill 7071, which was the result of hours of staff research and sworn testimony conducted by the House Select Committee on Health Care Workforce Innovation, chaired by Rep. Jose Oliva. Unfortunately, when the package was amended, this provision was removed.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown that removing physician supervision of CRNAs does not compromise the quality and safety of the anesthesia care being given to patients. No evidence exists to refute the finding that CRNAs deliver anesthesia just as safely as anesthesiologists, and CRNAs administering anesthesia without the supervision of a physician is by far the most cost-effective method of anesthesia delivery. It also would help contain costs of anesthesia care.

CRNAs are trained not only in anesthesia care, but in pharmacology, treating patients with co-existing diseases, and seeing them through their pre-and-post anesthesia processes. In fact, in many scenarios in the practice of anesthesia care, CRNAs commonly serve as the sole anesthesia provider without requiring supervision, including in the military where CRNAs safely administer anesthesia to military personnel and their families.

Further, 16 other states already allow CRNAs to practice without physician supervision, and studies conducted in those states have yielded irrefutable, documented evidence that CRNAs can deliver anesthesia care just as safely and accurately with or without the supervision of a physician.

The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) strongly believes that by allowing CRNAs to practice to the full capacity of our education and training, we can add value to our state’s over-burdened health-care system.

FANA looks forward to continuing its education and advocacy to urge Florida lawmakers in 2015 to consider allowing CRNAs to administer anesthesia without supervision.

Jorge Valdes, DNP, CRNA, is president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists.  Column courtesy of Context Florida.