The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians joined forces with several other medical organizations on April 3, in expressing strong opposition to legislation that expands the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Representatives Jon Cross (R-Kenton, OH) and Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro, OH) have circulated a letter seeking co-sponsors regarding this legislation.
The jointly-signed physician letter informs legislators of our significant concerns with how CRNAs have previously sought to expand their scope of practice. Past CRNA-supported scope expansion bills have included broad authority for CRNAs to order undefined drugs, tests, treatments, and fluids for patients, including pain medications. The bills have not required CRNAs to be with the patient or even present in the facility when ordering drugs and they have not dealt with conflicting orders between physicians and CRNAs.
The letter states, “Our organizations want to be part of any solution regarding issues with Ohio’s current anesthesia care team model. Our primary interest is reaching a solution that is safe for the patient and ensures the continuation of the care team model, which is the best model for safe patient care. To that end, we have repeatedly asked what is the problem with Ohio’s current anesthesia model of care and how are patients jeopardized under this model? As we have yet to be provided with any evidence of how patients are adversely impacted by Ohio’s current anesthesia care team model, we are concerned that legislation intended to expand CRNA scope of practice could do so at the expense of patient care.”
The letter goes on to say, “We understand the desire of CRNAs to expand their scope of practice but patient care cannot be compromised in doing so.