H.R. 2234: Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025

This bill, known as the "Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025," aims to improve anesthesia and pain management services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The key provisions of the bill include:

Updating Standards for Nurse Anesthetists

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs update existing guidelines to allow certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) to be recognized as licensed independent practitioners in the VHA. This alignment is to be consistent with the practices outlined by the Defense Health Agency's standards.

Requirements for Anesthesia Professionals

The bill sets specific certification and operational requirements for anesthesia providers employed by the VHA:

• Certification: Physician anesthesiologists must be certified by a recognized body such as the American Board of Anesthesiology. Similarly, CRNAs must hold certification from appropriate nursing anesthetist organizations.
• Direct Care Experience: Anesthesia professionals must have completed at least 25 hours of direct patient anesthesia care.
• Enforcement: Those who do not meet these requirements will face suspension from their employment within the VHA.

Reporting and Oversight

The bill also establishes a requirement for annual reports by the Comptroller General of the United States concerning anesthesia delivery models within the VHA. Reports will include:

• Outcomes related to different anesthesia delivery methods, including those performed by anesthesiologists, CRNAs under supervision, and CRNAs without supervision.
• A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of these models, including estimates of costs to VHA medical facilities and taxpayers, as well as potential financial impacts on veteran households.

Overall Objectives

The overarching goal of the bill is to ensure veterans receive timely access to anesthesia care by enhancing the roles of anesthesia providers in the VHA and monitoring the effectiveness and costs associated with different care delivery models.

Relevant Companies

• None found