Annually since 2000, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has celebrated the now-almost-60,000 nurse anesthetists across the US, and their contributions to healthcare, through National CRNA Week.
This year’s theme, “Trusted Anesthesia Experts on the Frontlines,” highlights nurse anesthetists’ continued advancement of safe patient care through a nearly two-year COVID-19 pandemic. CRNAs safely administer more than 50 million anesthetics to US patients each year, according to the AANA.
Find some stimulating CRNA stories by clicking here
(courtesy of nursejournal.org)
- CRNAs represent more than 80% of the anesthesia providers in rural counties.
- It takes about 7-8.5 years of education and experience to become a CRNA.
- In March 2020, supervision requirements for CRNAs were suspended to increase the capacity of the US healthcare delivery system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)
Busting Barriers
Just in time for National CRNA Week, two states have removed barriers to patient care for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Alaska and South Dakota.
The Alaska Board of Nursing adopted rules, effective Jan. 19, that eliminate the requirement for CRNAs, and other advanced practice registered nurses, to submit “(patient) consultation and referral plans” to the state to maintain licensure.
The South Dakota Board of Dentistry adopted rules, effective Dec. 13, 2021, allowing CRNAs to administer anesthesia, without restrictions, alongside dentists in their offices.
CRNAs on the Frontlines
Earlier this month the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a report counting nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) among the most utilized healthcare providers across the United States.
CRNAs were among the 20 specialties serving the most beneficiaries in non-telehealth care between March and June 2020—the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to Putting Patients First: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Record of Accomplishments from 2017-2020.
CMS cited waiving the physician supervision requirement for CRNAs among its notable healthcare accomplishments during the Trump Administration.
About the AANA
Founded in 1931, the AANA) creates standards and guidelines, and consults with both private and governmental entities. The AANA Foundation supports the profession by awarding education and research grants to students, faculty and practicing CRNAs. More than 90% of the nation’s nurse anesthetists are members of the AANA.
The AANA developed and implemented a certification program in 1945 and instituted a recertification program in 1978. It established an accreditation process for nurse anesthesia educational programs in 1952; the program has been recognized by the US Department of Education since 1955.
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) credential came into existence in 1956 and, in 1986, CRNAs became the first nursing specialty accorded direct reimbursement rights from Medicare.
[includeme post_id=”8089″]
