I am pleased to inform you that South Dakota has opted out of the federal physician supervision requirement for CRNAs, as permitted in the November 13, 2001, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule.  The AANA applauds the South Dakota governor's decision, and thanks the South Dakota Association of Nurse Anesthetists for its efforts. South Dakota is the 13th state to opt out of the federal supervision requirement. Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Kansas, North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Montana opted out previously.

South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds' opt-out letter was dated March 16, 2005 and received at CMS headquarters today, March 16, 2005. The opt-out is effective upon receipt at CMS and is, therefore, effective immediately.

Governor Rounds' opt-out letter stated that: "I have consulted with the South Dakota Board of Medicine and Osteopathic Examiners, the South Dakota Board of Nursing and other interested parties regarding this matter. Based upon their input, I have concluded that this exemption is consistent with South Dakota law and is in the best interests of South Dakota's citizens, rural communities, and hospitals."

The AANA's Public Relations Department will post information regarding the opt-out on the AANA Web site (www.aana.com) as soon as possible.

Congratulations again to South Dakota.
 

Mitchell H. Tobin, JD
Senior Director, Professional Practice Affairs American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4001
Phone: (847) 655-1131
Fax: (847) 655-8813
E-mail: mtobin@aana.com
AANA Web site: www.aana.com