, /PRNewswire/ -- —Massachusetts patients now have increased access to safe, affordable anesthesia care. The state is the latest to opt out from federal regulations that require physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. In a letter to the U.
S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Gov. (D) wrote, "I am exercising the option to remove the requirement that [CRNAs] be supervised by a physician.
I believe this exemption is in the best interest of the citizens of regarding access to and the quality of anesthesia services in the state." The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reports that the governors of 25 states and have exercised such exemptions for either full or partial opt-out. "Through her action, Gov.
Healey ensures patients have access to value-based, high-quality care and that the Commonwealth recognizes that CRNAs are qualified to make autonomous decisions regarding all aspects of anesthesia care based on their education, licensure, and certification," said , MS, CRNA, president of Massachusetts Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA). "It also allows healthcare facilities to optimize healthcare teams by removing barriers and allowing to maximize their workforce, leading not only to more access to care by more economical care models." has over 900 CRNAs who practice in a variety of settings, including being the prima.
