The Joint Commission has released an FAQ, affirming that their standards are not intended to restrict or prohibit students, including student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs/RRNAs), who are enrolled in an approved educational program from participating in the delivery of patient care. AANA requested this FAQ to seek clarification of recent changes and their intended impact.
The Joint Commission 2026 Hospital Standard PC.13.01.01 is consistent with CMS Conditions of Participation and hospital interpretive guidelines, which do not prohibit or restrict SRNA/RRNA involvement in anesthesia teaching cases. Medicare teaching rules permit CRNAs to supervise up to two SRNAs/RRNAs at one time, as outlined in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual. State law rarely addresses supervision requirements for SRNAs/RRNAs. Facilities determine student involvement in patient care based on compliance with licensure, state and federal regulations, scope of practice, organizational policies, and patient safety.
CRNAs and program administrators are strongly encouraged to review facility-specific SRNA/RRNA training policies, procedures, and facility bylaws regarding the SRNA/RRNA participation in cases and the use of teaching CRNAs, to verify that unwarranted restrictions are not in place for teaching cases.
For more information, see AANA Facility Accreditation Resources. Inquiries on standards interpretations can also be directed to the Joint Commission.