ASA Opposes Minneapolis VA Unprecedented Bylaws Change

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is urging the leadership of the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center (MVAMC) to preserve the role of anesthesiologists in the care of Veterans and to oppose any changes in bylaws that could compromise the quality of care at the facility. 

ASA has been made aware of a medical staff bylaws proposal at the Minneapolis VA that would specifically implement a nurse-only model of anesthesia care, a stark departure from the team-based model of care involving physician anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists purportedly previously utilized at the facility and in the local community.

The proposed bylaws change is reportedly the result of the departure of anesthesiologists from the facility over recent months. In lieu of promoting the hiring of new anesthesiologists at the facility or utilizing existing VA staffing programs, the facility leadership appears intent upon changing the anesthesia practice model. 

ASA has received word that the proposed change is unpopular within the facility and that staff are concerned about the impact of the change on Veterans’ care.   

ASA is working jointly with the Minnesota Society of Anesthesiologists  and the Association of VA Anesthesiologists in raising alarm at the lower standard of care proposed at the facility.  Concerns have been communicated directly to the MVAMC leadership and to the clinical and administrative leaders within the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The concerns highlight that the proposed change does not align with the best practices around the country nor even at other nearby facilities. The formal communications highlight the availability of existing emergency staffing opportunities that could be implemented on a temporary basis to facilitate work on long-term fixes to staffing challenges.