Legislation Threatens CRNA Autonomy in VA Healthcare
By Dermiel Robles
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - In a recent development, H.R. 3347, a bill with potential repercussions for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) within the Veterans Health Administration (VA), has sparked concerns over its impact on the accessibility and quality of care for our nation's veterans.
PHOTO: courtesy of TIME https://time.com/2845764/demand-for-health-care-spikes-as-veterans-ranks-fall/
Introduced as a measure aimed at turf protection, the legislation has raised alarms within the healthcare community, particularly among CRNAs who fear it may impose unnecessary restrictions and supervision requirements. Such changes could lead to adverse effects, including reduced access to care, longer wait times, and increased costs for veterans seeking healthcare services.
The bill appears to deviate from the prevailing trend in state-scope laws, which generally recognize the ability of CRNAs to practice independently. Instead, H.R. 3347 seems to disproportionately favor physician anesthesiologists, raising questions about its underlying motives.
One of the primary concerns voiced by critics is the lack of substantial support from clinical or scientific evidence for the proposed changes. This has led to doubts about the bill's potential to address pressing healthcare workforce challenges and its potential impact on the VA's ability to recruit and retain CRNAs.
A recent hearing, featuring the President-Elect of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), further fueled the controversy surrounding H.R. 3347. The ASA's alleged intentional misinformation during the hearing has underscored the bill's lack of justifications and raised suspicions about its potential to hinder CRNA practice without valid reasons.
Jhamiel Robles Phan, CRNA, Federal Political Director of the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AZANA), has issued a resounding call to oppose H.R. 3347. The bill, if passed, could not only limit the autonomy of CRNAs but also impede the VA's ability to address healthcare challenges effectively.
Robles Phan encourages members and stakeholders to take action against H.R. 3347 by visiting https://p2a.co/gc2s5wq. The link serves as a platform for individuals to voice their opposition and support evidence-based clinical practices, aligning with the stance of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
https://p2a.co/gc2s5wq (https://p2a.co/gc2s5wq)
As the debate surrounding H.R. 3347 continues, the nursing community remains vigilant in its efforts to protect the interests of CRNAs, uphold the standards of care for veterans, and advocate for evidence-based clinical practices. PMAA