ASA Testifies Before Congress to Oppose Effort to Remove Anesthesiologists from Veterans' Care

Yesterday, Dr. Ron Harter, President-Elect of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health to oppose the removal of anesthesiologists from Veterans’ care as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s Federal Supremacy Initiative. Dr. Harter emphasized ASA’s commitment to Veterans and the importance of preserving the delivery of safe, high-quality, physician-led care for Veterans.

Several lawmakers expressed support for VA’s current team-based approach to care, where physicians and nurses work collaboratively to provide care.

• Watch Subcommittee Chair Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA-2) note that there is a difference in care between midlevel and more specialized physician providers.
• Watch Subcommittee Ranking Member Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) argue that physicians are uniquely and extensively trained to provide comprehensive care for Veterans, especially since Veterans typically have complex health needs due to their service.
• Watch Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC-3) say lessening the quality of care due to a perceived access issue is not what Veterans deserve

AANA President-Elect, Janet Setnor, testified on behalf of nurse anesthetists and argued that CRNAs perform safe care without physician supervision.

A recent nationwide survey of Veterans conducted by American Legion found that Veterans overwhelmingly prefer a physician over a nurse to provide anesthesia care during the surgery. Read more about the survey findings.

Dr. Harter’s Full Submitted Testimony.

Witness List and Prepared Testimony.