VA Rule Expands Scope of Advanced-Practice Registered Nurses

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Department has issued a rule that will allow all advanced-practice registered nurses, with the exception of certified registered nurse anesthetists, to practice to their full authority at VA facilities. Effective Jan. 14, the rule is intended to make it easier for veterans to be seen by medical professionals by increasing the number of available primary care providers. “This part of the VA’s final rule will rewind the clock to an outdated model of care delivery that is not consistent with the current direction of the healthcare system,” said Andrew Gurman, MD, president of the American Medical Association. Dr. Gurman added that state law should be followed. Approximately half of states have full scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists were excluded after opposition by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, which believes a physician anesthesiologist should always be present in the emergency room in case of a medical emergency. Physician anesthesiologists receive between 12 years and 14 years of education, including medical school and between 12,000 hours and 16,000 hours of clinical training, in contrast with about half the education and almost 2,500 hours of clinical training for nurse anesthetists.