Shapiro Makes Push for Full Practice Authority in Budget Speech

Budgets are about more than just numbers. They’re also about policy priorities.

On Feb. 4, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his proposed spending plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year. In a 91-minute speech before a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg, the governor unveiled his $51 billion blueprint, an increase of approximately 8.5% over the current year.

Beyond the myriad line items, the governor also outlined several initiatives where the legislature and administration could work together to strengthen the state’s health-care network, no matter where residents live.

Among his objectives is granting full practice authority to nurse practitioners. This would allow NPs to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments — including prescribing medications — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

The effort is not too dissimilar from efforts by the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists to advance scope of practice legislation, which would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training, thus increasing access to high-quality anesthesia care.

According to the administration, there simply aren’t enough primary care physicians to meet the needs of patients in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the commonwealth. Many residents already have experienced the effects via long wait times for appointments, difficulties finding a mental health provider accepting new patients, and having to travel long distances to neighboring counties for prenatal and maternal care.

This is especially true in rural areas, where full practice authority could really help, Shapiro said in his speech. “In rural counties, there is one primary care physician for every 522 residents,” he said.

Full practice authority for NPs has been successfully enacted in 27 other states.

Learn more about the issue HERE.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists provide competent care in the operating room | PennLive letters

Published: Jan. 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. by PennLive.com

Patients undergoing surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia are safe when cared for by a physician anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or both. The perceived shortage of anesthesia providers (“Pennsylvania doctors are sounding the alarm over health insurers putting profits above patient care,” Jan. 3) relates to outdated and restrictive laws that prevent CRNAs from practicing to their fullest scope.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are the hands-on providers of anesthesia care, practicing in every setting where anesthesia is administered. In fact, nurse anesthetists are usually the last person a patient sees before a surgical procedure begins, and the first they see when they awake. They are with their patients for every breath during the procedure.

Because of their training and experience – the average nurse anesthetist completes an average of 9,369 clinical hours of training prior to becoming a CRNA – numerous medical studies show there is no statistical difference in patient outcomes when a nurse anesthetist provides treatment compared to a physician anesthesiologist, even for rare and difficult procedures.

Physician anesthesiologists’ concerns about safety are undermined by attempts to push regulations that would allow a new category of unlicensed and unproven anesthesia providers, posing serious liability concerns for health-care facilities, driving up health-care costs, and doing absolutely nothing to increase access to anesthesia care in rural and underserved areas, where CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care, often practicing independently.

As health-care demands grow, empowering CRNAs to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training is key to containing costs while maintaining the highest level of care.

Jodie Szlachta, Ph.D., CRNA, President-elect, Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Miller’s wiping away stereotypes about what Black women can do

As an African American female, Black History Month holds a special significance for Lexus Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN, who currently is enrolled in the Bloomsburg University DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. The month gives her --- and others --- the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black people throughout history.

Black History Month provides a space for reflection and conversation about the ongoing challenges Black people still face today, and how these issues impact their lives and experiences.

As SRNAs, Black women have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the health-care field by providing quality anesthesia care to diverse patient populations and increasing diversity in the field of anesthesia.

Being a first-generation college student, and as an African American SRNA, Miller hopes to inspire young Black women to pursue careers in anesthesia and help to break down barriers and wipe away stereotypes about what Black women can and cannot achieve.

She’s already doing her part and promises to be a force for future success.

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