How many states do not have physician 'supervision or direction' requirement for CRNAs?

How many states do not have physician 'supervision or direction' requirement for CRNAs?

• A. 23
• B. 33
• C. 40
• D. 10

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how CRNA practice authority varies by state, specifically how many states allow independent anesthesia care without physician supervision. In about 33 states, CRNAs can provide anesthesia without a required physician supervision or direction, reflecting a trend toward full practice authority for nurse anesthetists. This independence means CRNAs perform the full cycle of care—preop assessment, planning, induction, maintenance, emergence, and postop management—within their training and state rules, without a mandated physician on-site supervisor. Of course, facilities may still have policies and there can be nuances for high-risk cases or prescribing privileges, and some states do require supervision for certain settings or procedures, but the legal requirement for ongoing physician supervision is not present in the majority of states.