State Board of Nursing Regulation #16A-5145: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Fees

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing recently published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin its proposed rulemaking to recognize and license “certified registered nurse anesthetists” as intended under Act 60 of 2021. It’s an exciting moment – the culmination of years of hard work by so many!

The rulemaking solidifies the scope of practice for these highly trained, advanced professionals to administer anesthesia in cooperation with and under the overall direction of licensed physicians, podiatrists, and dentists, while setting licensing fees and certification standards. It also updates provisions relating to licensure by endorsement and mandatory child abuse education and training, and updates reactivation fees provisions for clinical nurse specialists.

The rulemaking includes a public comment period that runs through July 28, 2025.

CLICK HERE to read the entire proposed rulemaking, and PANA will continue to share updates with members.

A Tribute to a Leader: Remembering the Former PANA President and Advocate for Nurse Anesthetists

Jay G. Thomas, CRNA

With heavy hearts, members reflect on the tremendous loss of Jay Thomas, CRNA, former President of PANA and a true champion of our profession.

Jay was a tireless, unwavering advocate for nurse anesthetists and for PANA. Serving as president in 2012 and remaining on the board in various leadership roles for nearly seven years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the strong, financially sound organization we know today. His leadership style was steady, strategic, and deeply collaborative.

On the advocacy front, Jay was instrumental in moving the profession forward.  He was a mentor to many PANA members, teaching them the art of advocating for CRNA practice both at home in Harrisburg and in Washington D.C. 

Jay Thomas made a mark on this profession, and we are all better for having had him as a leader, mentor, and colleague.

Family and friends are invited from 10 AM to 12 PM on Thursday, June 19th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Memorial service will be held following visitation hours at 12 PM. Click here to view Jay's full obituary online.

Shapiro Makes Push for Full Practice Authority in Budget Speech

Budgets are about more than just numbers. They’re also about policy priorities.

On Feb. 4, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his proposed spending plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year. In a 91-minute speech before a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg, the governor unveiled his $51 billion blueprint, an increase of approximately 8.5% over the current year.

Beyond the myriad line items, the governor also outlined several initiatives where the legislature and administration could work together to strengthen the state’s health-care network, no matter where residents live.

Among his objectives is granting full practice authority to nurse practitioners. This would allow NPs to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments — including prescribing medications — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

The effort is not too dissimilar from efforts by the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists to advance scope of practice legislation, which would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training, thus increasing access to high-quality anesthesia care.

According to the administration, there simply aren’t enough primary care physicians to meet the needs of patients in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the commonwealth. Many residents already have experienced the effects via long wait times for appointments, difficulties finding a mental health provider accepting new patients, and having to travel long distances to neighboring counties for prenatal and maternal care.

This is especially true in rural areas, where full practice authority could really help, Shapiro said in his speech. “In rural counties, there is one primary care physician for every 522 residents,” he said.

Full practice authority for NPs has been successfully enacted in 27 other states.

Learn more about the issue HERE.