TANA Opposes Anesthesiologist Assistants in Tennessee
Call your legislators and ask them to urge adoption of the Senate version of the bill SB 764/ HB 979 with amendment #6372 which re-writes the bill.
SB 764/HB 979 allowing for Anesthesiologist Assistants to practice in Tennessee has been considered and moving through the legislature. TANA desires to keep members informed on developments and progress of the bill.
TANA’s Position
The Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ (TANA) first priority is protecting CRNAs’ ability to practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered without arbitrary restrictions that minimize a CRNA’s scope of practice based on their training and education. As such, TANA supports anesthesia staffing models that prioritize patient safety, flexibility, provider efficiency and access, ensuring that anesthesia services are based on what is best for patients and the surgical population of the hospital. TANA firmly believes CRNAs should have the flexibility and autonomy to practice in any anesthesia staffing model that best serves patients, as determined by the healthcare facilities based on local needs of patients and surgical population. This ensures patient safety and access, especially for our state’s rural communities.
Allowing Anesthesiologist Assistants to practice in Tennessee will not increase access to anesthesia care — watch this video to see why.
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Who would you prefer administer anesthesia to you or a loved one? This video breaks down the education requirements for each kind of provider.
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Instead of saving costs, the onset of Anesthesiologist Assistants could actually increase health care expenses. Learn why here,
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Bringing Anesthesiologist Assistants to Tennessee presents significant concerns of insurance fraud, learn why with this video.
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Helpful Links
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- Enter an address here to find your legislator.
- Support SB 764/ HB 979 with amendment #6372 which re-writes the bill.
- See SB 0764/HB 979 Amendments on General Assembly WebsiteÂ
- Full Amendment 2 language for HB 979
- Committee Chair Rep. Bryan Terry's statement statement regarding the intention of the bill amendment and its affect on CRNAs
- Talking points for House Amendment 2 provided to the bill sponsor addressing medical direction, definition of an anesthesiologist, written protocol agreements for AAs, and a requests by the Dept. of Health.
- Cost Effectiveness of Anesthesia Models handout
- Inflexible Staffing Structure Potential Reduced Revenue handout
- CMS data shows that CRNAs administer 93% of direct anesthesia care in Tennessee. See the chart here.
For Talking Points, Sample Letters, Legislative Alerts and any supporting materials, please click here.