ASA Reviewing VA Directive to Ensure Consistency with VA’s Final Rule

Earlier this week, leadership and staff at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) were contacted by physician anesthesiologists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding a recently released policy directive detailing anesthesia care for our nation’s Veterans.

ASA is continuing to review this document to ensure it is consistent with the letter and spirit of the final Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Rule, which became official in January 2017. 

The January 2017 final rule preserved safe, physician-led anesthesia care in VA facilities, ensuring high-quality care consistent with the nation’s top hospitals.  ASA worked respectfully and diligently to build an unprecedented level of support from VA leadership, Veterans organizations, more than 140 Members of Congress and other Veteran health stakeholders, and ASA is committed to ensuring that any future policy aligns with this patient safety focus.

If ASA members have any additional concerns or information to share regarding this directive while the review is in process, please contact the ASA Advocacy Division at [email protected].

Read more about the Final Rule here.