August 21, 2025
The Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) recently decided to adopt a new anesthesia care model that would shift from the current care team model, where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) work as part of a care team alongside and under the supervision of anesthesiologists, to a CRNA-only model, where CRNA’s practice independently.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has opposed the move. The MMA has not weighed in, but has the following policy: “The MMA will work with the appropriate regulatory and legislative agencies to establish, secure, and maintain a high level of standards which must be met and maintained before expanding scope of practice privileges beyond those limited to licensed, practicing medical doctors.”
A recent VA Office of Inspector General report shows a 38% increase in facilities that face a significant shortage of anesthesiologists.
“The proposed bylaws change is reportedly the result of the departure of anesthesiologists from the facility over recent months,” the ASA said in a release. “In lieu of promoting the hiring of new anesthesiologists at the facility or utilizing existing VA staffing programs, the facility leadership appears intent upon changing the anesthesia practice model.”
October 16, 2025
Minnesota physicians should not expect to receive Medicare fee-for-service payments for services rendered on or after October 1 until the end of the federal government shutdown.
October 16, 2025
The TABLE (The Team of Advisors Bringing Lived Experience), a 15-member team with direct experience of homelessness who provide input on programs, projects, and policies in Rochester, was awarded the Northern Light Award for Greater Minnesota on October 1 at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) Annual Conference.
October 9, 2025
The MMA is partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to offer an in-person session on “Supporting Patients, Families, and Professionals in the Aftermath of Crisis” on October 21 from 6 to 8 pm in Room RL110 at the HCMC Red Building, 730 South 8th Street, in Minneapolis.