In summary, the federal government does not want to be the decision maker and has given deference to the State itself in the Opt-Out decision making process. In order to Opt-Out, the individual States need to fulfill 3 requirements as listed below:
- Opt-Out Requirement #1: The State Board of Medicine and Board of Nursing gives ‘consultation’ to the State governor. This definition of ‘consultation’ was left vague and open to interpretation to be flexible for each State to decide what works best in their given situation.
- Opt-Out Requirement #2: The Opt-Out must be consistent with the State law
- Opt-Out Requirement #3: The Opt-Out must be in the best interest of the citizens of the State. This can be through a letter by the governor of the State.
Which States can CRNAs Practice Independently?
- Alaska (opt out in October 2003)
- Arizona (opt out in March 2020)
- California (opt out in July 2009)
- Colorado (opt out in September 2010)
- Iowa (opt out in December 2001)
- Idaho (opt out in March 2002)
- Kansas (opt out in March 2003)
- Kentucky (opt out in April 2012)
- Minnesota (opt out in April 2002)
- Montana (opt out in January 2004)
- Nebraska (opt out in February 2002)
- New Hampshire (opt out in June 2002)
- New Mexico (opt out in November 2002)
- North Dakota (opt out in October 2003)
- Oklahoma CRNA opt out in August 2020)
- Oregon (opt out in December 2003)
- South Dakota (opt out in March 2005)
- Washington (opt out in October 2003)
- Wisconsin (opt out in June 2005)
The US Territory CRNA Opt-Out State is Guam in the Western Pacific. All the CRNA Opt Out States pay very high CRNA Salary, which may explain the additional responsibility and no requirement for a supervisory physician watching over them.
Why CRNA Opt Out States?
- A CRNA working alone
- An anesthesiologist working alone
- A CRNA working under an anesthesiologist
This is the first reason States choose to become CRNA Opt Out States.
Second, the CRNA Opt-Out provides more flexibility, savings and removes the ‘middle-man’ in saving taxpayer and patients money. Many times, nurse anesthetists are the primary ones providing anesthesia for rural neighborhoods in the US. In fact, CRNAs provide millions of Americans in rural areas access to healthcare involving surgical, trauma, pain management anesthesia services. With the requirement of physician supervision before, oftentimes dentists and podiatrists were used. However, they were not relevant and not able to provide significant value-add. At the same time, these ‘supervisors’ did not want to be there with the increased risk of liability.
Thus, without the need of unnecessary supervisors, the patient ends up being the one who benefits with lower medical bills at the end of the day. To clarify, it has been proven in research that Nurse Anesthetist only anesthesia delivery methods are the most cost-effective anesthesia services available. Certainly, with the CRNA Opt-Out, medical centers are able to decide best on the method of quality care for patients in CRNA opt out States.
Recent Status of Nurse Anesthetist Opt-Out States
Best CRNA Programs
The Future of CRNA Opt-Out States
I believe eventually, all 50 States in the United States will be CRNA Opt Out States. The COVID-19 temporary regulatory approvals was a great a positive initial step in the right direction. In other words, it gives opportunities for all States to realize the capabilities of nurse anesthetists especially during such a critical time. Time and again, studies have proven that CRNAs-only anesthesia is the most cost effective and safe option available. This will only be cemented further by the new requirements that starting 2025, all CRNA schools will be doctoral degree programs rather than master’s degree programs. Although CRNA Opt Out has taken longer than anyone anticipated, we have been making progress and are working towards the positive trend which will happen eventually.
Do you think all 50 States will eventually be CRNA Opt-Out States? Share your view in the comments below and check out CRNA Salary to learn more about compensation for nurse anesthetists.