AMA Says Calling CRNA’s 'Nurse Anesthesiologist' Would ‘Muddy The Waters’, In Letter
The American Medical Association (AMA) has recently taken a strong stance against a proposed regulation in Washington D.C. that would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to use the title "nurse anesthesiologist."
Proposed Regulation 3969 and AMA's Opposition
The District of Columbia's Department of Health is considering a new regulation, known as Regulation 3969, which would permit CRNAs to use the title "nurse anesthesiologist."
"Anesthesiologists are healthcare specialists who administer anesthesia – nurses have administered anesthesia for more than 150 years, therefore making “nurse anesthesiologist” an appropriate title. In addition to nearly 10,000 hours of clinical experience during a post-graduate anesthesia program, nurse anesthesiologists are the only anesthesia professionals with critical care experience before beginning formal anesthesia education. Nurse anesthesiologists play a critical role in addressing challenges within the healthcare system by increasing access to, maintaining quality of, and decreasing costs of healthcare. Instead of supporting solutions for patients, physician groups continue to use fearmongering to protect physicians' padded paychecks at the expense of patient care. AANA will continue to defend the use of the nurse anesthesiologist title, both within the Washington D.C. Department of Health and in other legislative or regulatory efforts nationwide." - AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC
In response, the AMA has sent a letter to the department expressing their firm opposition to this proposal. The letter, penned by AMA CEO and Executive Vice President James L. Madara, MD, argues that the proposed regulation contradicts existing Washington D.C. law.
“This proposed regulation is creating a solution to a non-problem and more critically, muddying the health care waters unnecessarily,” the letter claims.
According to the AMA, current D.C. law reserves the term "anesthesiologist" exclusively for those authorized to practice medicine. The AMA contends in their letter that DC law explicitly reserves the term “anesthesiologist” for physicians. They believe that allowing CRNAs to use this term would violate Section 3-1210.03(g) of the DC Code. The organization contends that allowing CRNAs to use the title "nurse anesthesiologist" would blur the lines, or as they say “muddy the waters”, between different healthcare roles and potentially confuse patients about the qualifications of their care providers.
The Debate Over Professional Titles in Anesthesiology
This is not the first time a debate has been sparked over the use of the term "nurse anesthesiology". Earlier this year, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) filed a complaint against the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), challenging the latter's use of the term "nurse anesthesiologist" in its recently adopted name in a trademark dispute.
Proponents of the regulation might argue that the title "nurse anesthesiologist" more accurately reflects the advanced training and responsibilities of CRNAs.
However, opponents, including the AMA, believe that such a title could mislead patients about the scope of practice and educational background of these professionals.
As the District of Columbia's Department of Health considers Regulation 3969, the healthcare community will be watching closely. The decision could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in other jurisdictions.
