Today Governor Ritter took an important step in preserving and improving access to quality, safe, and affordable healthcare services in Colorado by opting-out of the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) Medicare supervision requirement in rural and Critical Access Hospitals. Read the Governor’s press release.

CRHC has long supported the opt-out of the Medicare requirement for CRNAs to be directly supervised by the attending physician, dentist or podiatrist, which adds another barrier to accessing healthcare for rural residents. Opting-out also gives hospitals the flexibility to structure their anesthesia services around the needs of their communities and patients. With today’s action, Colorado joins 15 other states that have already opted-out of this requirement. CRHC applauds Governor Ritter for helping increase access to care for rural Coloradans. Thanks to everyone who took action in support of this important issue.