Study Reveals ‘Opt-Out’ States Do Not See Increased Patient Access To Anesthesia Care Compared With ‘Non–Opt-Out’ States

Since 2001, 17 state governors have exercised their right to “opt out” of the Medicare rule requiring physicians to supervise the administration of anesthesia by nurse anesthetists. The rationale behind opting out of this rule came from concern over patient access to anesthesia care. The argument was that by opting out of the rule, the number of potential anesthesia providers would increase, which would decrease the distance patients would have to travel for procedures, surgery or