Physician Oversight of CRNAs

In June 2009, the governor of California opted out of a federal regulation requiring physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). In response, the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) and the California Medical Association (CMA) filed suit against the governor, alleging that the opt-out was illegal and that it harmed physicians and anesthesiologists. The court found that the opt-out did not violate state law and that state law does not require physician supervision of CRNAs. On appeal by the CSA and CMA, the appellate court upheld the lower court's ruling, allowing California CRNAs to continue practicing without physician supervision.