CRNAs not included in new VA nurse practice rule

Editor's Note

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 13 issued a final rule allowing full practice authority for certain advanced practice registered nurses working in VA facilities, including certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives.

The rule excludes certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), following lobbying from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. However, the VA is requesting comments on whether access issues or other circumstances might warrant their inclusion in future rules. 

The final rule is effective January 13, 2017, and comments must be received by the VA on or before that date.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its medical regulations to permit full practice authority of three roles of VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) will not be...