Worried about WA’s anesthesiologist shortage? Here’s what would fix it — fast | Opinion
Anesthesiologist shortage
The loss of anesthesiologists at a local Tacoma hospital and around the country is forcing hospitals to take notice and think of solutions. Even though Washington state allows certified registered nurse anesthetists to practice independently, many hospitals, particularly those with trauma units and acute cases, want an anesthesia care team model that includes an anesthesiologist who is a medical doctor for patient safety.
The solution to this problem is in the state’s own backyard: pass a bill licensing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. These highly-trained advanced care providers are already licensed in other states. They are recognized by the federal government and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Licensing CAAs would allow hospitals the full scope of highly trained professionals to maximize their care teams.
The public is already embracing advanced practice providers such as advanced practice registered nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists and physician assistants in many areas of medicine. At the same time, doctors in Washington are saying CAAs are needed.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist licensing in Washington would make a tangible and beneficial difference for both hospitals and patients. We have qualified, local CAAs ready to work in Washington. I am one!
Grier James, Bainbridge Island
Global poverty
There are many arguments as to why the United States should support foreign aid and efforts to combat global poverty. The first being as the most powerful country we have the resources to invest in countries abroad. The second being in this country, we have an ethical obligation to help those we can.
In this upcoming round of budget talks at the national level, we are presented with an opportunity. As of right now, the United States ranks towards the bottom in international assistance with the leaders being Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands with .7% of their Gross National Income. The United States, on the other hand, allocates only .2% of its Gross National Income to international assistance.
We have the chance to change the narrative coming up when the federal budget is debated.
Stephanie Roestel, Lacey
Alzheimer’s treatment
More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 120,000 in Washington. Having been a caregiver to my mother, who we lost to Alzheimer’s, I truly understand the impact this disease has on families across America.
In March, Washington advocates met with staff in the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell to urge them to show the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services their support for full access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatment. Every day without access to FDA-approved drugs, more than 2,000 people transition to a more advanced stage of Alzheimer’s where they’re no longer eligible for treatment. Families, along with their physicians, should be able to decide if these treatments are right for their loved ones at this earlier stage in the disease.
The Veterans Administration has recently decided to cover this treatment, but without agreement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, hundreds of thousands of other Americans in Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans will continue to decline, at great cost to our nation.
I hope that all concerned Washingtonians will join me and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement in encouraging Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray to continue to advance policies and make progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Karen L Marez, Auburn
