Legislative updates
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION
Pennsylvania is one of just two states (New York is the other) that fail to recognize CRNAs in some form. Because there is no definition for “certified registered nurse anesthetist” under the state’s Professional Nursing Law, CRNAs are recognized only as registered nurses (RNs), not as CRNAs. With a new legislative session underway, we will continue to work in a bipartisan manner with the legislature on developing measures to finally and formally recognize nurse anesthetists as “CRNAs” under Pennsylvania statute. To summarize the current legislation:
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Senator John R. Gordner (R-Columbia) has re-introduced his professional designation legislation (S.B. 416). An identical measure passed the Senate unanimously in June 2019 before getting stuck in a House committee. SB 416 unanimously passed (50-0) the full Senate on June 16, 2021.
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Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) has re-introduced a companion bill to Senator Gordner’s legislation (H.B. 931). HB 931 was unanimously reported out of committee and passed the full House on June 15, 2021 by a vote of 201-1.
You can read the latest PANA fact sheet about both measures HERE, or hear them discussed in our videos. These professional designation bills are simple, non-controversial title recognition measures and deserve legislative support.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS
In the state’s 2021-22 legislative session, the General Assembly is expected to consider legislation that would license anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) for the first time in Pennsylvania. This is bad public policy that will do nothing to enhance patient care or make health care more accessible, but instead will increase the cost of care and severely limit the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Learn more about AA legislation and how to discuss the issue with lawmakers by CLICKING HERE.
PHYSICIAN SUPERVISION
Legislation (H.B. 912) has been introduced in the 2021-22 legislative session that would require a physician to supervise the administration of anesthesia. The co-sponsorship memo went as far as to suggest that this requirement is necessary to protect patients. But patient safety currently is not an issue. Moreover, best practices in health care are constantly evolving, advancing and improving. That enhances quality. It is unwise to enact legislation that hinders this evolution toward greater patient care and safety. And, doing so actually goes against national trends to modernize health laws and ensure access to safe, affordable, quality care. Learn more about the measure by CLICKING HERE.
STAY INFORMED
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Groups that support title recognition for CRNAs in Pennsylvania:
The Wolf Administration - View letter of support from the Governor's Policy Office
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) - View letter of support for the work of CRNAs, especially in rural areas
Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS) - View letter of support
The Commonwealth Foundation - View Policy Report and Blog Post on why
Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Should Always be Crisis Ready
Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania - View letter of support
Pennsylvania Rural Health Association - View letter of support
Pennsylvania Association of Certified Nurse-Midwives - View letter of support
Villanova University / Crozer-Chester Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program - View letter of support
Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthetists Programs - View letter of support
Allegheny School of Anesthesia Program
University of Scranton School of Nurse Anesthesia Program
Cedar Crest College Nurse Anesthesia Program
Crozer-Chester Medical Center / Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Excela Health School Anesthesia Program
Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Montgomery Hospital / La Salle University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Geisinger Health System / Bloomsburg University of Pa. Nurse Anesthesia Program
Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia / Gannon University Program
York College of Pa. / WellSpan Health Nurse Anesthetist Program
Commentary by Brother Norman Hipps:
The Commonwealth Foundation’s
Steve Bloom Guest column:
The PANA PAC
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