With 36 gubernatorial seats, 30 lieutenant governor seats, 30 attorneys general positions and 6,066 state legislative seats up for election across the country, 2018 is going to be wildly unpredictable. This year’s state elections are especially important since they will determine who is in power during the 2020 U.S. Census, which will establish federal apportionment. In turn, states will draw redistricting plans, which govern both state legislative districts and federal congressional districts. State elected officials will have great influence over the balance of power nationwide.
Governors have the authority to single-handedly opt out of Medicare’s patient safety requirement for physician supervision of nurse anesthetists. It is essential for physician anesthesiologists to build strong relationships with governors, their staff members, and gubernatorial candidates to let them know how patients benefit from having a physician lead the Anesthesia Care Team.
Currently, there are 34 Republican governors, 15 Democratic governors, and one Independent...