The fight to give CRNAs full practice authority continues in states across the country but there have been some important victories along the way. All you need to do is look to our military to find a model that many people would like to see across the profession as the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force have all removed restrictions on CRNAs. Today we’ll talk with Air Force Colonel Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, who was one of the key people involved in helping the Air Force gain that authority and she’ll share the story of how it all happened.
Click the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
One issue that’s really moved to the forefront over the past few years is the debate over whether CRNAs should be given full practice authority. The battle has been fought for many years but the relaxed restrictions during the pandemic have given CRNAs a stronger argument for moving in this direction permanently.
The military has been a leader in this area with three branches granting full practice authority to CRNAs. The Air Force most recently joined the U.S. Army and Navy in removing restrictions, but it wasn’t an easy thing to get approved.
Today we’re joined by one of the people who was in the meetings where this issue was being debated. Air Force Colonel Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, was a prominent voice during this process and helped shape the case that was put forth in favor of removing restrictions. It’s fascinating to hear how it all played out and what it took to get this agreed upon in the Air Force.
As you get started on the episode, keep an ear out for these topics:
- How she became a CRNA after being a flight nurse in the Air Force.
- The relationship between the ASA and military CRNAs and the restriction of practice.
- What she did to push back against restrictions.
- How the AANA supported her throughout the process.
- What happened inside the meeting.
- How they got their outcome from the arbitrator.
- Working under different rules depending on where you are.
Check out the interview at the top of the page and use the timestamps to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
[2:53] – Jan’s background in the Air Force
[7:07] – ASA and military CRNAs
[9:53] – Battling against restrictions
[14:27] – Calling Deb Molina
[17:04] – Details from the meeting
[20:55] – How they reached an outcome
[24:21 ]– Different rules
[27:18 ]– Advocating
[29:23] – VA rules in different states
[33:38] – Final thoughts
[34:50] – Where she was on 9/11
“If you look at the AANA, we utilize the military model a lot. We practice independently and it’s demonstrated everyday.”
-Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA
