ASA Submits Proposed Amendments to VA Directive

Last week, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) submitted formal comments and suggested amendments to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) proposed Anesthesia Services Directive – the document implementing the application of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) final rule.  The final rule excluded nurse anesthetists from VA’s so-called full practice authority practice or nurse-only models of care.

In its letter, ASA commends VA for its adoption of a final APRN rule that maintained patient-centered, physician-led anesthesia care while recommending a number of changes to strengthen the quality of anesthesia care in VA. 

Over the last five years, ASA has worked respectfully and constructively to build an unprecedented level of support from VA leadership, Veterans’ organizations, more than 140 Members of Congress and other Veteran health stakeholders to preserve high quality anesthesia care in VA.  ASA is committed to ensuring that any future policy aligns with this patient safety focus.

ASA appreciates the opportunity to provide comment on VA’s proposed Anesthesia Directive, and will continue to partner with VA on this and other efforts to ensure that Veterans receive the highest quality anesthesia care.

If ASA members have any additional concerns or questions regarding this directive or the ASA’s proposed amendments, please contact the ASA Advocacy Division at [email protected].