Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
the most cost-effective anesthesia providers

Cost-Effective Providers

CRNA Education & Training

Safe Anesthesia Care

CRNAs’ Valuable Role

Anesthesia Providers

CRNAs solve Healthcare Shortages

Trained in anesthesia care for every type of procedure.

COVID-19 has revealed the demand

CRNAs have stepped in to ensure quality care during the pandemic, bringing innovative solutions to unique medical problems.

States that have opted out of CRNA Requirements

United States Governors have the option to opt out of the medical billing related to CRNA requirements. Ask your Governor to opt out!

Full opt-out states

​No Opt-Out
​States

Partial Opt-Out
​States 

FAQ

Are CRNAs capable of providing independent anesthesia services?  

• CRNAs have always independently provided the full range of anesthesia services.  In recent years, the number of CRNAs providing independent services has increased to nearly half (42.5%) of all CRNAs.  
• Local facilities can choose from a number of different anesthesia delivery models based on their communities unique attributes.  All models have been repeatedly demonstrated to be equally safe, and they range from "solo" models, to collaborative teams (focusing on teamwork and competency rather than "supervision") to a model known as "medical direction" where 1 anesthesiologist oversees the anesthetic delivered by 4 CRNAs.  
• The medical direction model is derived from billing requirements, is not a standard of care, and while safe, does represent a higher cost for patients and facilities and often requires a subsidy.
  

Do CRNAs train to administer all types of anesthesia for surgical patients?

Yes.  The Council on Accreditation requires extensive experience in all areas of surgery.  While there are individual variations in training and experience, all CRNAs receive a broad baseline of education and experience.  

Are CRNAs nationally board certified?

Yes, all CRNAs are required by state and federal law to be nationally board certified by the only recognized body in the United States for certifying CRNAs, the National Board of Certification and Recertification of CRNAs.  

What's the real difference between physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs?  

Both professions offer similar, and often overlapping, services.  Broadly, while they have different backgrounds, both professions study the same physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and anesthetic management.  Of course individual professionals gain experience in different practice areas, and while all CRNAs and anesthesiologists are generally well trained, they are not all the same - which accounts for regional differences in practice models.  

How do CRNAs combat the opioid crisis? 

CRNAs with subspecialty training in chronic pain injections and management play a key role in reducing opioid use, by eliminating pain and thus the need for continue opioids.  This emerging area of practice is rapidly growing to address a national epidemic.  

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