Profession
N.J. puts anesthesia rules on ice
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 21, 2005
The New Jersey Supreme Court has temporarily put a stop on new rules restricting the office-based practice of nurse anesthetists. The rules, which were to go into effect on Feb. 1, will remain on hold until May or June when the court is expected to decide whether it will hear a case by the New Jersey Assn. of Nurse Anesthetists seeking to overturn the new rules. (See correction below)
The regulations, set by the State Board of Medical Examiners, require two physicians to be on hand during office-based surgery. One physician may perform surgery, while the other administers anesthesia or supervises the nurse anesthetist.
Correction: This item contained incorrect information. The New Jersey Supreme Court on Feb. 14 said it would hear the New Jersey Assn. of Nurse Anesthetists appeal that asks the court to permanently stop rules restricting the office-based practice of nurse anesthetists from taking effect. The court expects to hear arguments in May or June. AMNews apologizes for the error.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/03/21/prbf0321.htm.