Editor's note: ASA State Affairs staff would like to inform readers that the number of states that allow nurse anesthetist independent practice was inaccurately stated below. Please see Editor's note below.
The practice of anesthesiology has developed into many different patterns since it was recognized as a specialty in the U.S. Some practice types have developed by necessity and others by historical precedent. Different regions of the country and even different parts of some states have had entirely different and somewhat varied practices. There are several combinations, from solo practice, to group practices with either all physicians or combinations of physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) or certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs). Some groups are owned by physicians, some by CRNAs, and other groups are employed by the hospital clinic or part of a large national anesthesiology group. There are some practices where the physicians work side by side with...
