Mississippi Adopts Favorable Rules Concerning OB System of Care

The Mississippi Department of Health has adopted rules concerning Obstetrics (OB) System of Care standards for hospitals. As proposed, the rules primarily included only physician anesthesiologists in provisions concerning anesthesia. The Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists provided testimony and written comments concerning the importance of CRNAs in providing obstetrical care in the state. The rules were subsequently amended and adopted, with CRNAs added to the anesthesia provisions for the levels of care and also adding a CRNA position to the OB System Advisory Committee.