Statement from Jeff Molter, President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) on the Rural Health Transformation Program

“Today, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) participated in an event at the White House to celebrate the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) alongside our Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) colleagues. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are indispensable to serving patients across rural healthcare, providing access to surgical, obstetrical, and preventative care in communities that need them most. The RHTP represents a critical investment in strengthening care and expanding access across rural and underserved areas.

The AANA applauds the administration’s commitment to remove unnecessary barriers for APRNs and other advanced practice providers. The RHTF takes important steps towards reducing some of those barriers, and we look forward to continuing this work to eliminate outdated restrictions, including Medicare’s physician supervision requirement, so CRNAs and other APRNs can practice at the top of their education and training. This is an important continuation of the Administration’s work to stop anticompetitive practices, increase access, and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.”