CMS Pub. 100-04, ch. 12, § 140.1

For payment purposes, the term “qualified nonphysician anesthetist” is used to

refer to both certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists’

assistants unless otherwise separately discussed.

An anesthesiologist’s assistant means a person who:

• Works under the direction of an anesthesiologist;

• Is in compliance with all applicable requirements of State law, including

any licensure requirements the state imposes on nonphysician anesthetists;

and

• Is a graduate of a medical school based anesthesiologist assistant

educational program that –

o Is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and

Accreditation;

And

o Includes approximately two years of specialized basic science and

clinical education in anesthesia at a level that builds on a

premedical undergraduate science background.

A CRNA is a registered nurse who:

• is licensed as a registered professional nurse by the State in which the nurse

practices;

• Meets any licensure requirements the State imposes with respect to

nonphysician anesthetists;

• Has graduated from a nurse anesthesia educational program that meets the

standards of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs;

and

• Meets the following criteria:

o Has passed a certification examination of the Council on

Certification of Nurse Anesthetists or the Council on Recertification

of Nurse Anesthetists;

Or

o Is a graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program that meets the

standards of the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia

Educational Programs, and within 24 months of graduation, has passed

a certification examination of the Council on Certification of Nurse

Anesthetists or the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.