If a CRNA provides anesthesia services upon request from a podiatrist, it is important to understand that podiatrists in Texas are not licensed to provide general anesthesia. Although podiatrists have prescriptive authority, they do not have the authority to delegate the ordering of drugs and devices necessary to provide anesthesia to a CRNA. MDs and DOs can delegate the ordering of drugs and devices to a CRNA, but a podiatrist cannot. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) discusses general anesthesia administration by a podiatrist on their FAQ page:
A license to practice podiatry is NOT a license for a podiatrist to administer general anesthesia. However, a podiatrist may request the provision of anesthesia services from the appropriate provider (whether that is from a MD/DO Anesthesiologist or CRNA) in consideration of the safety and well-being of a patient.
It is important to be familiar with the bylaws or institutional policies within your facility regarding CRNAs practicing with a podiatrist. The Nursing Practice Act requires CRNAs to practice in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations as well as facility bylaws and policies.
When working with podiatrists, the TDLR does not require the podiatrist to supervise the CRNA, nor does the BON require the CRNA to be supervised. An MD or DO must give the order for anesthesia. Any requirements for supervision of the CRNA (e.g., facility bylaws/policies, CMS conditions of participation, etc.) would need to be met by a physician credentialed by the facility.
