Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who has met standards for certification from the Board consistent with the standards of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, who is licensed to practice nurse anesthesia by the BRN. The utilization of a nurse anesthetist to provide anesthesia services is at the discretion of the physician, dentist or podiatrist. These services are delivered during the perianesthesia time period which includes pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care that encompasses presurgical testing where the patient is evaluated for their ability to tolerate an anesthetic through delivery of anesthesia and emerging from anesthesia where the patient is monitored and cared for until they are stable enough to safely transfer to other areas for care or is discharged. The general scope of practice for CRNAs is governed by BPC 2725. Anesthesia services can be provided in California by a nurse anesthetist when requested by a physician and without physician supervision or a requirement for standardized procedures.
Resources:
- Nursing Practice Act, Article 7 (Nurse Anesthetists) - Business and Professions Code sections 2825-2833.6
- Business and Professions Code Section 2725
- Summary of Select Nursing Practice Act Provisions Relating to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice
- Court of Appeal Upholding Opt-Out
- Attorney General 1984 Opinion
Related Links:
- Nurse Anesthetists
- General Instructions and Application Requirements for Nurse Anesthetist (NA) Certification
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs
- Advisory/Ad Hoc Committees
Other Resources:
- California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
- American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
- National Council State Boards of Nursing APRN Consensus Model
- National Council State Boards of Nursing CRNA Independent Practice Map
- National Council State Boards of Nursing CRNA Independent Prescribing Map
Historical Documents:
BPC 2725 (e): No state agency other than the board may define or interpret the practice of nursing for those licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or develop standardized procedures or protocols pursuant to this chapter, unless so authorized by this chapter, or specifically required under state or federal statute. “State agency” includes every state office, officer, department, division, bureau, board, authority, and commission.