When the public health emergency draws to a close May 11, some patients could lose critical elements of care overnight, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology warned in a May 9 news release.
Specifically related to providers, patients may lose access to some who they have been working with, or the provider may no longer be able to give the patient the same services or care they have been able to receive since 2020, the group notes.
As such, the effects of this will be felt by many patients — particularly those in rural areas who may already have limited access to healthcare services.
While nothing will immediately shift the changes that are to come with the end of the PHE, the association argues that pushing the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act forward will remove barriers for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to step in and fill some of the gaps in care.
Although this is hotly debated by physician groups, advanced practice nurses argue that this will expand care — particularly in rural regions that need more access.
"Nurses, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) like CRNAs, have been at the front lines of caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, using their invaluable skills to save lives," Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, president of the association said in a statement. "They were able to do so because they could practice to the top of their license and education, without the burden of unnecessary regulations like physician supervision."