This section provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pertaining to practice (topics are in alphabetical order). Information is current as of August 8, 2018. These materials are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
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More Anesthesiologist Assistants (AA) Questions
Effective January 1, 2014, APRN licensure renewals are subject to the new requirements from the BON. While the continuing education requirements for NBCRNA certification exceed the 20 CEs required for APRN licensure in Texas, they do not meet the targeted CE required by the Texas Board of…
Board Rule 221.4 requires national certification for all applicants who have completed their education unless the applicant receives a waiver under Rule 221.7(c). Currently, the only National Certification Exam that is recognized by the Board for CRNAs is the NBCRNA. While some states…
More Continuing Education (CE) Questions
A dentist may only delegate the ordering of anesthesia if the dentist possesses the appropriate level of anesthesia permit for the type of anesthesia service being ordered. If the dentist does not possess the appropriate level of permit, the order for anesthesia would need to come from a physician…
As with any other treatment, the role and scope of practice of a CRNA depends largely on their competencies. Every CRNA also has a duty to provide safe care to their patients. Under certain circumstances, and pursuant to a delegating provider's order, ketamine infusion therapy can be…
There are currently no additional requirements for mobile anesthesia providers. However, depending on the practice locations and the type of authority you would prefer, your registration requirements could vary. For example, if you need to write prescriptions, you will need to obtain a Prescriptive…
More Mobile Anesthesia Questions
In outpatient anesthesia settings, the drugs administered and devices applied by a CRNA who provides anesthesia or anesthesia-related services are supplied by the practice setting. Therefore, they are ordered for use in that setting by the surgeon. Just as in the hospital or ambulatory surgery…
CRNAs are not required to have prescriptive authority to practice in outpatient settings (e.g., physician’s office) as defined by Board Rule 221.16 for CRNAs and TAC§192.2(e) and (f) for physicians. This issue was reaffirmed following the passage of SB406 in the…
More Office-Based Setting Questions
There is no requirement in Texas state law or by the BON for a physician co-signature on orders written by a CRNA in the perioperative period. Board Rule 221.15(a) establishes the legal basis for the ordering of drugs and devices by a CRNA in a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical…
Pursuant to an order for anesthesia or anesthesia-related services, it is within the scope of practice for a CRNA to order and administer antibiotics consistent with the needs of the patient, the type of case, and preferences of the surgeon or other physician caring for the patient. …
More Orders/Prescriptive Authority Questions
Nursing Peer Review is the preferred method for a review of practice for all levels of nursing licensure. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for establishing the policies and procedures necessary for peer review of all nursing practice, including APRNs. When peer review…
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…
There are no CRNA specific regulatory statutes that apply to CRNAs in Texas performing radiologic procedures. The Texas Board of Nursing Rule 217.14 applies to CRNAs performing radiologic procedures in Texas. Board Rule 217.14(a) requires registration with the Board of Nursing for…
More Radiation/Fluoroscopy Questions
The APRN's scope of practice is addressed in Board Rule 221.12. The rule states the APRN’s scope of practice is based upon educational preparation, continued advanced practice experience, and the accepted scope of professional practice of the particular specialty area. …
More Scope of Practice Questions
The CRNA in the room should only be engaged in the anesthesia related care of the patient to whom they are providing anesthesia services. The AANA position statement entitled The Role of the CRNA on the Procedure Team explains: Patient safety may be compromised when the CRNA is asked to serve…
More Standard of Care Questions
There are no Texas state laws or regulations requiring physician supervision of CRNA practice, including CRNA practice in an office based setting. A CRNA may legally practice in an office-based setting provided they are in compliance with BON Rule 221.16.
A Texas CRNA may practice independent of an anesthesiologist. There are no Texas state laws or regulations requiring physician supervision of CRNA practice, including CRNA practice in an office based setting. A CRNA may not order the drugs and devices necessary for the administration of an…
More Surgeon Liability Questions
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…
More Ultrasound-Guided Procedures Questions
For questions about matters dealing with federal law or regulations, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the best point of contact. Contact information is available here: Contact Us Portal.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is the best contact for questions that relate specifically to specific inquiry facts and circumstances. As TxANA is unable to provide legal advice, we can tell you the law, but not how it applies to specific circumstances. The BON is able to address these types of…
