Attorney General Opinion 2024-14

The opinion clarifies key aspects regarding the practice and collaboration of CRNAs, particularly in relation to the physician's role. The pertinent information is the official opinion of the Attorney General which states:

1. "Oklahoma law governs the physician-CRNA relationship. Instead of modifying such relationship, the Governor’s request for exemption letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from the physician supervision requirement under 42 C.F.R. § 482.52 removed federal regulatory constraints suppressing SB 801’s uniform application."
2. "A CRNA must practice under a collaboration agreement as required by title 59, section 567.3a(10)(b, h),and therefore cannot practice independently." [Emphasis added]
3. "The passage of SB 801 shifted the physician-CRNA relationship from supervision to collaboration [emphasis added]. Consequently, physician 'oversight' of CRNAs is no longer required as the term 'supervision' encompasses oversight." This opinion reinforces the necessity of collaboration in practice and the ongoing role of physicians in ensuring quality care alongside CRNAs.

Osteopathic Board Guidance on the Opinion

1. A written Collaboration Agreement is required to define the relationship between a Physician and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
2. A written Collaboration Agreement must demonstrate the following:

• Must reflect that the physician and CRNA actively work together to provide patient care, share responsibility, and make decisions.
• The collaborating physician timely reviews every patient medical record where treatment is provided by the CRNA.
• The collaborating physician must establish a physician/patient relationship prior to treatment by the CRNA.
• The collaborating physician must be able to provide timely onsite guidance to the CRNA, as needed.
• The collaborating physician must review and approve the medical treatment plan of the CRNA, prior to treatment.

The opinion can be found at this link: AG Opinion 2024-14

It is the recommendation of the Oklahoma Board of Osteopathic Examiners that any questions regarding interpretation of this Attorney General Opinion be directed to your legal counsel. CRNAs must contact the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for additional information.

Expedited Partner Therapy

Senate Bill 1491 - to be codified at 63 O.S. 2021, Section 1-517, will become effective November 1, 2024.  This new law provides very limited options for Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) treatment.  Click here to learn more about this law and its parameters.

The Senate Bill signed into law can be found at this link: SB1491

CE Broker

OSBOE has launched with the CME tracking software, CE Broker.  This software will be in use for the 2025-2026 renewal year.  We ask that you create your account early so you can become familiar with the features.  Note: a paid account is not required.  The "Basic" account includes all capability required to meet reporting requirements.

We are also speaking with all Oklahoma CME providers to discuss them reporting CME hours to us on your behalf - reducing your burden at renewal.  More information on this to come.

Please click this link to activate your account and, if preferred, follow the below steps for the Basic Account.

• Click the link above
• Select "Explore other plans"
• Select the "Basic" on the left
• Enter your license number
• Enter your email, username, and password
• Click "Create Basic Account"

IN THIS ISSUE:

AG Opinion 2024-14

Expedited Partner Therapy

CE Broker

Helpful Hyperlinks:

• OSBOE Homepage
• Licensee Login
• OSBOE Resources
• Approved Proper Prescribing CME

PROPER PRESCRIBING

For your annual proper prescribing CME requirement, please ensure that the course you obtained has been previously approved by OSBOE.  The link to those courses is above. 

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