Washington DC Ends Physician Supervision Requirement for Nurse Anesthetists

The policy shift follows the passage of the Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Act of 2024, which previously clarified the scope of practice for CRNAs within the District. By formally notifying federal authorities of the opt-out, the Mayor confirmed that the change reflects a strategic review of healthcare needs and is consistent with existing District law.

Industry leadership praised the move as a vital step toward operational efficiency. Tracy Young, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, stated that removing these barriers allows healthcare facilities to implement care models better suited to their specific patient populations. Douglas Heater, president of the DC Association of Nurse Anesthetists, added that the decision acknowledges the clinical qualifications of CRNAs to manage all aspects of anesthesia administration without mandatory physician oversight.