The president of the American Academy of Nursing, in a commentary article published by The Baltimore Sun, pushes for more states, including Maryland, to opt out of the federal rule requiring CRNAs to receive anesthesiologist supervision when providing care to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
In the column by Catherine L. Gilliss, who is also dean of the Duke School of Nursing, she argues the physician supervision is, in many cases, unnecessary and therefore costly, and does not enhance the safety of patients.
Anesthesiologists and physician leadership have spoken against the claims made by Ms. Gillis. These physicians argue the difference in training between a CRNA and physician anesthesiologist can impact patient care.
So far 15 states have opted out of the rule and Colorado's governor is expected to make the state the next to opt out of the anesthesia rule.
Read The Baltimore Sun commentary from Catherine Gilliss.