Joint Commission Clarifies: SRNAs Not Restricted in Teaching Cases

Recent confusion surrounding student involvement in anesthesia care has created significant challenges for CRNAs, SRNAs, and health-care facilities. A new clarification from The Joint Commission helps resolve this issue.

In a newly released FAQ, requested by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, The Joint Commission confirms that its standards are not intended to restrict or prohibit students, including student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), from participating in patient care as part of approved educational programs.

The organization also affirmed that its 2026 Hospital Standard PC.13.01.01 aligns with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions of Participation. These federal guidelines do not limit SRNA involvement in anesthesia delivery. Medicare teaching rules continue to allow CRNAs to supervise up to two SRNAs at a time.

Because state laws rarely define supervision requirements for SRNAs, health-care facilities retain primary responsibility for determining student participation. These decisions should be guided by licensure requirements, regulatory standards, scope of practice, organizational policies, and patient safety considerations.

What This Means for You

Facilities and anesthesia professionals should take this opportunity to review internal policies and bylaws. In some cases, overly restrictive interpretations may have been implemented unnecessarily. Ensuring alignment with current guidance can help restore appropriate clinical training opportunities while maintaining high standards of care.

For more information, see AANA Facility Accreditation Resources.

This update reinforces a key principle: high-quality clinical education and patient care can – and should – go hand in hand!

New Study Adds Evidence to Benefits of Full Practice Authority

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the commonwealth issued a temporary blanket waiver that enabled advanced practice nurses, including certified registered nurse anesthetists, to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training to enhance the state’s response to the health-care crisis.

A new study, “Impact of reduced restrictions in scope of practice of nurse anesthetists on patient safety across states,” published in Journal of Nursing Regulation, makes clear that was the right thing to do — and that the move led to real health-care benefits for patients.

The authors examined the impact of the pandemic-related reduced restrictions in scope of practice, specifically allowing CRNAs to practice to the full extent of their education and training, on anesthesia-related complications rates.

What they found is that there was a statistically significant reduction in anesthesia complications in states that allowed pandemic-related reduced restrictions in state scope of practice compared to states with no change in scope of practice.

In other words, the authors concluded that reduced restrictions in state scope of practice during the pandemic were not associated with any increase but in fact showed a decrease in anesthesia-related complications.

These findings add to existing evidence on the safety of anesthesia procedures performed by CRNAs and expand the evidence to include safe procedures during the pandemic. The findings inform strategic planning and public policy to reform the health-care system to prepare prudently for future emergencies.

Read the full report HERE.

PANA DEI Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Dr. Ledys Janett Perez:

Being a Latina CRNA fills me with immense pride—especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, resilience, and the contributions of our community. Every day, I carry the strength of my ancestors and the sacrifices of my family into the operating room. As a first-generation Latina in this role, I understand the power of visibility and representation. This month reminds me that being a Latina CRNA is more than a career—it’s a celebration of identity, a reflection of perseverance, and a promise to uplift those who will come after me.

Gianka Figueroa:

“I’m a third year SRNA at Cedar Crest College. When I’m not in the OR or studying, you can usually find me traveling or playing pickleball. Both of my parents are from Nicaragua, and I love visiting family there whenever I can. I also hope to take part in a medical mission trip once I graduate! My biggest inspiration in this journey has been my mom, she is a CRNA and the reason I fell in love with this amazing profession. I can’t wait to work alongside her soon!”

Dr. Virginia Urdaneta:

Being a Latina anesthesia provider makes me proud because I am not only perpetuating the dream of my immigrant parents, but of so many others as well. I hope to be the representation that makes at least one person feel better, whether it be my Latino patients, or a fellow dreamer hoping to become a CRNA!

Dr. Jorge Alvarez:

“My work providing anesthesia is a daily source of gratitude. This month, I’m especially mindful of my family’s humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic and their incredible sacrifice and hard work that turned the hope for a better future in this country into a reality for me.”

Jennifer Salinas:

"My name is Jennifer Salinas. I am a first-year student at Thomas Jefferson’s CRNA program. My family and I are from Cuenca, Ecuador and we enjoy cooking traditional recipes for our family friends. I am very excited to form part of the TJU cohort!"

Arianna Aguilar SRNA:

Born and raised in El Salvador, I came to the U.S. at 19, working as a housekeeper while taking ESL classes. Over a decade later, I have more than five years of nursing experience and am now proudly pursuing my dream as an SRNA. Representation matters deeply to me. Every patient deserves culturally sensitive care and to feel understood. Just as importantly, visibility shows immigrants and first-generation nurses that our challenges build resilience—not barriers. We belong, and I hope my journey reminds others of that truth.

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