By Dr. Todd Primack, Chair, Legislative and Practice Affairs Division, CSA
As anesthesiologists, we are the cornerstone of safe patient care. We dedicate our careers to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes before, during, and after surgery. However, this commitment is constantly challenged. This year alone, we faced legislation that threatened patient safety by proposing independent prescribing authority for CRNAs in dental offices without proper oversight. We also saw continued attempts to blur the lines between CRNAs and anesthesiologists, jeopardizing patient understanding and potentially compromising their care.
The California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) fights tirelessly to advocate for physician-led anesthesia care. We leverage a multi-faceted communication and advocacy program, but to truly safeguard patient safety and our profession’s future, we need your critical support.
Join Us for the Day of Contributing: A Call to Action
This Wednesday, August 7th, we’re holding a dedicated Day of Contributing to fuel our newly established Issues and Advocacy Fund. This fund empowers us to elevate our efforts and effectively counter threats to patient safety.
We need your support to continue the fight!
Recent investigations by the California Department of Public Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services uncovered serious patient safety concerns at Stanislaus Surgical Hospital and Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto. These facilities were found to have inadequate oversight of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and deficient medical credentialing processes. Patient harm resulted from anesthesia-related medical errors, highlighting the critical importance of physician-led anesthesia care.
In response, CSA leaders have actively engaged with state legislators to emphasize the indispensable role of physician anesthesiologists in ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
As the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists (CANA) continues to aggressively push for CRNA independent practice through media campaigns and lobbying efforts, this fight for patient safety is far from over. We need your support to continue safeguarding patient care.
Your contribution, big or small, will make a significant difference. Here’s how your generosity will be used:
- Elevating Public Awareness: We’ve launched a robust advertising campaign – social media ads, targeted websites, podcasts, and even billboards – reaching policymakers, healthcare decision-makers, and most importantly, our patients. The message is clear: “Anesthesiologists: Protecting Patient Safety through the Highest Standard of Care.”
- Empowering Patients: We’re developing and disseminating patient-centric educational materials, ensuring patients understand their rights and the importance of safe anesthesia care.
- Championing Legislation: We actively support legislative and regulatory initiatives that prioritize physician-led anesthesia care and oppose measures that undermine patient safety.
- Educating Policymakers: We bridge the knowledge gap by educating policymakers about the critical role of anesthesiologists and the complexities of anesthesia compared to nursing practices.
Investing in the Future
Approximately one-third of the California Legislature will be new faces come fall. This is a pivotal moment to educate and secure allies who understand the value of physician-led anesthesia care.
Together, we can reach our $100,000 fundraising goal! Your contribution will directly impact this crucial mission.
Donate Today and Make a Difference
Contributing is easy! Click here to make a secure online donation. Every dollar counts! We gratefully accept contributions from individuals, organizations, physician groups, private medical groups, non-profit organizations, public agencies, and academic departments.
Let’s work together to safeguard the future of anesthesia care in California. Donate Today!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me, Dr. Todd Primack, Chair of CSA’s Legislative and Practice Affairs Division, at toddoprimack@gmail.com.
Together, we can ensure the highest standard of care for all Californians.
Thank you for your unwavering support!