1.0 DESCRIPTION
A Nurse Anesthetist, or Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a licensed professional
nurse who provides the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist
(Medical Doctor (MD)). After completing extensive education and
training, CRNAs become nationally certified; they can be licensed and
practice in all 50 states.
2.0 POLICY
2.1 The following
criteria must be met for coverage of anesthesia services by a CRNA:
2.1.1 The CRNA is operating within
the scope of his or her license or certification required in the jurisdiction
where practicing;
2.1.2 The CRNA
is a licensed registered nurse; and
2.1.3 The CRNA
is certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
2.2 If the CRNA is an employee
of an institution, physician anesthesiology group, or individual practitioner,
his or her services will only be reimbursed when billed by that
employing institution, physician anesthesiology group, or individual
practitioner.