Anesthesia and Me

[meandragonbrett]

Found this new publication that was just recently released by the ASA this week. It's information for patients about what they need to inform their anesthesiologist of. It was interesting to read this key statement on the ASA's website...."Anesthesiologists may also be medically directing anesthesiologist assistants or nurse anesthetists, who are trained in many of the technical aspects of anesthesia delivery, but not the medical aspects of anesthesia care." The information can be found at http://www.asahq.org/news/news012606.htm

[BigDave]

I could feel that one coming!!

[jwk]

I could feel that one coming!!

You knew I wouldn't let that one go.

[BigDave]

jwk, from your perspective, how did this statement sit with you?

"anesthesiologist assistants or nurse anesthetists, who are trained in many of the technical aspects of anesthesia delivery, but not the medical aspects of anesthesia care."

[RickyRN]

Regardless of your credentials, this statement is very misleading. It not surprising, the ASA has been lobbying quietly against our profession, including misleading the public and state legislators for years. Supporting our Association is of great importance. There is less tendency to pursue AA's versus CRNAs because the ASA had a big part of creating the standards by which AAs practice. Fortunately, the CRNA was around long before there was ever a MDA. Nonetheless, they will continue their efforts and we will continue ours.