On July 7, certified registered nurse anesthetists in West Virginia will be allowed to administer anesthesia in cooperation with — rather than under the supervision of — a physician.
The new CRNA practice agreement defines “cooperation” as a CRNA and a physician, dentist or podiatrist working together as a team with their respective expertise, according to a bill signed April 30 by West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
At all times, patient care is directed by the physician, dentist or podiatrist. CRNAs do not have independent practice authority, according to the bill.
Seventy-five percent of anesthesia providers in the state are CRNAs, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, which applauded the bill’s passage as a step forward to improve healthcare access in rural settings.
“By signing this important legislation, West Virginia now recognizes that CRNAs are trained and qualified to make decisions regarding all aspects of anesthesia care based on their education, licensure and certification,” Justin James, CRNA, president of the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, said in a statement.
