Settlement in Minnesota

[CRNA, DNSc]

THere will be no press conference scheduled (due to court order) BUT those who have been around awhile will know what I am talking about!!!! There has been a settlement in the last of the Minnesota Lawsuits- this one referring to the practice of fraudulant billing by a large group of Anesthesiologists. The lawsuit was brought by the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetist on behalf of CRNAs that lost jobs because the hospitals would no longer employ them since the docs were billing for cases as personally performed and getting 100% of the fee when in fact the CRNA was actually doing the case. This meant the CRNAs employer (the hospital) got 0% reimbursement and therefore fired the CRNAs.

After 9 years and numerous motions and delays, appeals and rehearings the bottom line is CRNAs stuck it out with help and financial support from the AANA and CRNA across the nation. The settlement is $$$$$$$10.8 MILLION DOLLARS. Minnesota ANA presented a check for $1.2 million dollars to pay back (with interest) the loan from the AANA.

WAY TO GO MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS :kiss :chuckle :roll

[srna04]

This is good evidence of our strong association. We should all be proud (SRNAs and CRNAs) to be in such an organization which supports our profession. If we did not have such strength in numbers (90% membership rate, I believe), this court victory would never have happened!! I would like to strongly encourage all CRNAs or SRNAs who are currently not members to join and support the association both financially and by attending periodic meetings. Congratulations Minnesota CRNAs!!

[yoga crna]

This is wonderful news. The CRNAs in Minnesota have been persistent and instead of complaining did something about their problem. It cost them a lot of money, many jobs were lost and their personal lives were forever changed. One thing I love about being a nurse anesthetist is that we work to solve problems, not just talk/complain about them.

I hope all of you students out there realize the legacy you have been given and will continue to work for the profession by being active in the AANA and your state association.

YogaCRNA

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

The PAC in California is my first choice of committees upon graduation. I love to win!

Congrats Minn!