CRNAs in Texas are authorized to perform regional anesthesia, including ultrasound guided regional anesthesia (USGRA). Regional anesthesia is an integral part of anesthesia practice. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists determines Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice for CRNAs in Texas. An excerpt from this document is provided below:
CRNAs plan and initiate anesthetic techniques, including general, regional, local, and sedation. Anesthetic techniques may include the use of ultrasound, fluoroscopy and other technologies for diagnosis and care delivery, and to improve patient safety and comfort.
The above document provided guidelines for the professional scope of practice for a CRNA. There are also considerations for the CRNA’s individual scope of practice. TxANA cannot make determinations for an individual CRNA regarding what is within their individual scope of practice. The AANA provides a resource for expanding your practice entitled Considerations for Adding New Activities to Individual CRNA Scope of Practice. Ultrasound guided regional anesthesia is a well-established practice for nurse anesthetists in Texas, and USGRA is an important tool in the anesthetist’s armamentarium as the nurse anesthesia community looks to utilize methods for treatment of acute surgical pain other than opioids.
CRNAs in Texas may bill CMS and private insurers for the administration of regional anesthesia techniques.
