ASA Makes Health Care Workforce Recommendations

Today, ASA submitted comprehensive recommendations to strengthen and sustain the anesthesiology workforce.  The submission came in response to a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee initiative to address health care workforce shortages.  ASA supported federal initiatives to improve the efficient scheduling of operating and procedure rooms;  expanded funding for anesthesiology residency slots through Medicare GME and other mechanisms; support for certified anesthesiologists assistants (CAA) and reforms to Medicare payments for anesthesia services, including expanding eligibility for the Medicare rural pass-through.  Similar information was provided to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.