News Release
Governor Martz Requests Exemption for CRNAs
1/23/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
HELENA - Governor Martz issued the following statement and sent the
attached
letter after deciding to request an exemption for certified registered
nurse
anesthetists to receive federal Medicare reimbursement for
anesthesiology
services.
*******************************
"My decision to opt out of the Medicare's physician supervision
requirement
for nurse anesthetists will help ensure the affordability and
accessibility
of anesthesia services in rural Montana."
"Opting out allows community hospitals to utilize staff to best serve
their
patients. Approximately 31 of the state's 40 acute care hospitals rely
solely on nurse anesthetists to provide safe anesthesia care to
patients,
allowing these medical facilities obstetrical, surgical, and trauma
stabilization capabilities."
"It is a decision I arrived at after careful consideration of the
information brought forward in meetings with interested parties, through
letters from Montanans, and upon consulting with the Boards of Medical
Examiners and Nursing. It is a decision that is consistent with state
laws
and is in the best interests of the state's citizens."
**********************************
January 22, 2004
The Honorable Dennis G. Smith, Acting Administrator
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
314G Hubert Humphrey Building
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am requesting an exemption for the State of Montana from the
requirement
for physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
(CRNAs)
in order to receive federal Medicare reimbursement for anesthesiology
services. This request is in accordance with the final rule published
in
the November 13, 2001, Federal Register, Volume 66, Number 219.
The Board of Medical Examiners, the Board of Nursing, and other
interested
and affected parties have been consulted in this matter. This
exemption is
in the best interest of Montana's citizens and is consistent with state
law.
Please consider this full notification of Montana's election for state
exemption.
Sincerely,
JUDY MARTZ
Governor
cc: Board of Medical Examiners
Board of Nursing
Gail Gray, DPHHS
Wendy Keating, DLI
Kris Goss
Education Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
