Ok docs and med students. In the entire US except New Jersey, CRNAs already work independently without anesthesiologists. Even in states not opted out (opt out it billing term only). I work in all CRNA group in non-opt out state. No Anesthesiologists for 120miles. We Do everything except hearts and heads.
For this particular case, SB 801 will change the Nurse Practice Act to reflect the reality of CRNA practice in Oklahoma. the cost of every hospital in Oklahoma employing an Anesthesiologist is unrealistic. Many, if not most, small hospitals in rural Oklahoma are cash strapped and barely able to stay open as it is.
I know a guy who is a partner in Duncan Anesthesia Associates. They are a private all CRNA practice in Southwest Oklahoma. They provide “comprehensive anesthesia care” for Duncan Regional Hospital. Since the inception of the hospital, in 1979, there has NEVER been an anesthesiologist affiliated in an capacity with Duncan Regional. ALL anesthesia care has been provided by CRNAs. They exceed 6,000 cases in 2018 with the volume growing every year.
If CRNAs were unsafe then how did they and the 1000s of other all crna groups manage to keep their contract with the hospital for the last FORTY years. Because we are SAFE and we do an exceptional job providing “TOP TIER” comprehensive anesthesia services including this group in OK for Duncan Regional Hospital and the patients of Southwest Oklahoma.
Please, ask me any question.
I saw a lot about “does this mean CRNAs can be sued now?” We always have been able to and we do just like anesthesiologists. No difference.
I am not being hostile, just want to clear up any confusion. Especially with med students who want to go in to anesthesiology and hear all of the fear mongering propaganda.
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