We agree with the conclusions of your May 4 editorial recommending that the Illinois House pass the licensing bill already approved by the Senate for advanced practice nurses and that a “reasonable compromise” be found regarding the licensure of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
The Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists and the Illinois State Medical Society have been actively involved in the negotiations with the Illinois nursing groups that represent the nurse anesthetists. In fact, we have compromised on every major issue proposed, including the requirement for CRNAs to hold collaborative agreements with physicians. We cannot agree, however, that CRNAs should be allowed to practice independently, with no physician involvement in the delivery of anesthesia.
Anesthesiology is the practice of acute, critical care medicine, utilizing dangerous drugs and life-threatening interventions. Certainly patients who require anesthesia care should be protected by appropriate safeguards under the law. Compromise is possible, but not on patient safety.
We agree that advanced practice registered nurses deserve recognition and licensure within the Illinois Nursing Act. They have a great deal to offer patients. But we also believe every patient deserves to have a fully trained and licensed physician actively involved in charting the course of their care. In a recent Illinois poll, 72 percent of respondents stated they wanted a physician involved in their anesthesia care. Whom do you want safeguarding your loved ones?
