Date of Award
1982
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Arlene Taich
Second Advisor
Joseph Lipofsky
Third Advisor
Helen A. Ogle
Abstract
Should the surgeon, as "captain of the ship", be liable for the negligent acts of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist? The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is a highly skilled and educated nurse and is far more informed about anesthesia than the surgeon . The surgeons resent this needless liability , and because of this, the use of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to administer anesthetics might decrease.
To prove that the hypothesis was correct, several methods of research were done . A content analysis showed that the courts are divided on their decisions. There have been many decisions absolving the surgeon and just as many holding him liable.
Existing data was also analyzed . The premium rates for malpractice insurance have risen dramatically in the last ten years , This proves that the malpractice crisis does exist and that the problem must be dealt with . This analysis also supported the fact that the laws in the United States differ from state to state , which adds confusion to the liability status of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and surgeons.
The third method used was a questionnaire. By random sampling, 10 percent of the membership of the Missouri chapter of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, of the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists , and of the Missouri College of Surgeons were surveyed . These groups were asked e ight questions relating to the legal responsibility for nurse anesthetists .
The results did not completely prove my hypothesis . It was proven that confusion reigns in the area of liability . Because the administration of anesthesia is both a nursing and medical function, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist must have legal authority to perform this task . To do this the Nurse Practice Acts must be revised to include a definition of this scope of practice . This would relieve the surgeon of liability, Secondly, there must be uniformity of laws and court decisions in the ,.United States, so that those involved will know their responsibilities.
Recommended Citation
Krause, Beverly Ann, "The Law and the Nurse Anesthetist" (1982). Theses. 937.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/937
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