ASC INDUSTRY NEWS
June 2025
West Virginia removes physician supervision rule for CRNAs
Effective in July 2025, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists will no longer require physician supervision in West Virginia. This new legislation shifts the CRNA role to a collaborative dynamic with physicians, in an effort to improve the reach of the existing anesthesia pool. Anesthesia shortages are an issue nationwide, especially in rural communities. West Virginia lawmakers hope this change will impact the shortage, especially in rural areas.
Source: Becker’s Hospital Review
Study shows safe outcomes for PCI performed in ambulatory surgery centers
The first studies on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) since Medicare approved these procedures in the ambulatory setting, was presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2025 Scientific Sessions. Since the approval in 2020, physicians have successfully shifted patients who required single vessel procedures to the ASC setting. When compared to patients who underwent a PCI in an HOPD, ASC patients were less likely to have hospital associated complications but were more likely to have multiple PCI procedures. Patient outcomes for overall safety, mortality and adverse events in ASC and hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) were found to be comparable.
Source: News-Medical Life Sciences
HOPD-to-ASC Conversions Are Booming, But Hidden Pitfalls Could Prove Costly
In an effort to cut costs, many hospital systems are looking to enter the ASC space. As the entire market pushes for lower cost options, hospital administrators begin to consider the conversion of HOPDs to ASCs. While this shift seems intuitive and simple, administrators are learning it is far more complex than it appears. Compliance and regulatory standards, building codes, and leaner staffing ratios are just a few of the hurdles hospitals would face to such transitions.
Source: ASC News
CRNAs’ new licensing requirements: 8 things to know
By the end of 2025, all new graduate CRNAs will be required to complete a doctoral degree for licensure. In 2023, in an effort to meet the deadline, CRNA students chose one of the following programs to complete in order to meet licensing requirements: doctor of nurse practice, a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice, a Doctor of Philosophy, a Doctor of Education, a Doctor of Nursing Science or a Doctor of Management practice in nurse anesthesia. This move is anticipated to exacerbate the existing anesthesia shortage by slowing existing students’ progression into the workforce and deterring potential new students.
Source: Becker’s ASC Review
61% of nurses plan job change within 1 year: Report
AMN Healthcare’s survey of 12,000 nurses found that 61% intend to change their employment status in the 12 months. This study fortified findings from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s study which found 40% of registered nurses intend to leave the field by 2029.
The AMN report found the main issues nurses report were a lack of wellness and management support, as well as issues with patient ratios. Nurses also reported feeling burned out, as well as compassion fatigue which has impacted their health.
Source: Becker’s Clinical Leadership
