ASA and AMA file Amicus Brief in California Opt-Out Lawsuit

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) have filed an amicus brief in the appeal of CSA and CMA v. Schwarzenegger. The amicus brief, which has been accepted by the Court, focuses on the grave consequences of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R-CA) decision to opt-out of the federal requirement for physician supervision of nurse anesthetists, including the performance of interventional pain management procedures by nurse anesthetists.

In addition to the amicus brief filed by the AMA and ASA, the San Diego Center for Patient Safety also filed an amicus brief in opposition of the opt-out.  Conversely, the California Hospital Association filed an amicus brief in favor of the opt-out which were also accepted by the Court. 

Amicus brief filed by AMA and ASA

Amicus brief filed by the San Diego Center for Patient Safety

Amicus brief filed by the California Hospital Association