Can PsychNPs administer ECT treatments?

[Knmarrill]

I'm considering returning to school for a Psych NP, CRNA, or MD. I have worked in mental health for three years with one year in an ECT suite.

My work in ECT has included PACU, IV/Port access, and airway management (bag masking, etc), during ECT under supervision of an anesthesiologist.

I really love working in ECT and want to know if a Psych NP can administer ECT after receiving training to do so. Or is this a treatment option only doctors can learn and admister? Would I be better off returning to school for a CRNA or MD?

Thanks!

[DizzyJ DHSc PA-C]

I haven't found any specific state legislation stating yes or no, but I found several discussions stating PMHNP can not perform and bill for ECT. Also, I found a WA mental health billing handbook showing what services can be billed for and who can bill for them, and it only had psychiatrist listed as being able to bill for ECT.

[Jules A, MSN]

I haven't found any specific state legislation stating yes or no, but I found several discussions stating PMHNP can not perform and bill for ECT. Also, I found a WA mental health billing handbook showing what services can be billed for and who can bill for them, and it only had psychiatrist listed as being able to bill for ECT.

This is my understanding also and it would be an excellent topic to address with support of your state's NP organization. I'm sure it depends state to state but it has been my experience the BON doesn't want too much involvement in the intricacies and if you can show you are trained it can usually be accomplished. Much of it is going to be showing you have been trained, the good news with ECT is, to my knowledge, there is no formal requirement for MDs either just that they have been trained and there are numerous training seminars offered around the country and then lobby to ensure we can bill. Its an interesting avenue and one I'd love to see competent NPs pursue. Good luck.