Colorado Nurses Association ~ Important Legislative Update on Opt Out

On March 31, 2011, Denver District Court Judge Anne Frick issued an oral ruling dismissing the lawsuit brought by Colorado Medical Society and Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists against the Governor for his decision to opt out of the Medicare requirement regarding physician supervision of CRNAs.

Colorado Nurses Associaiont, Colorado Hospital Association and Colorado Association of Nurses Anesthetists had intervened in the case as defendants. Judge Frick found that CRNAs are licensed to deliver anesthesia to patients due to their advanced training, skills and knowledge. The Judge further found that CRNA practice is independent nursing and not a delegated medical function. Judge Frick will be issuing a written Order further outlining her ruling.

We applaud this ruling which reaffirms the legal right of CRNAs to provide critically needed nursing anesthesia services to patients. We will provide additional information upon receipt of the written ruling.

Thank you to all who personally supported this effort.

Fran Ricker, RN, MSN
Executive Director
Policy Director - Lobbyist
franricker@nurses-co.org

Colorado Nurses Association
2170 South Parker Road
Suite 145
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 757-5049 Direct
(303) 757-8833 Fax