Is this perfect timing or what!? The New York Times featured an editorial yesterday discussing the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) supervision opt-out issue (see my Sept. 2nd post for more information). The editorial highlights two reports that have concluded patient safety and quality has not been compromised in the 14 states that have opted-out of the Medicare supervision requirement (California chose to opt-out last year, making it 15 states altogether). In fact using CRNA's to deliver anesthsia services is more cost-effective and is a more feasible option for rural hospitals.
Let's hope Governor Ritter makes Colorado the 16th state to opt-out.
