vital healthcare
“Stanislaus Hospital could close following Medicare decision” (modbee.com, April 23)
The recent announcement that Stanislaus Surgical Hospital’s Medicare coverage will be discontinued is concerning for patients in the Modesto area. This hospital is essential for providing access to healthcare in the region.
The California Society of Nurse Anesthetists and its certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive high-quality, safe anesthesia care in all settings.
CRNAs are board-certified, autonomous practitioners who plan and provide anesthesia to patients with all health complexities. These advanced practice registered nurses have years of specialized training in the delivery of anesthesia and are the only ones in all branches of the U.S. military who safely provide surgical and obstetric anesthesia services throughout California, as well as in all branches of the U.S. military. is also an anesthesia provider.
As autonomous healthcare professionals, CRNAs collaborate with patients and a variety of healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care where and when it’s needed most.
CRNAs in California are qualified through Governor’s action, law, and licensing to practice independently and provide patients with the anesthesia they need for procedures. CANA is committed to ensuring that all patients continue to receive safe, high-quality anesthesia care and that hospital policies support her CRNA license and patient safety.
Sandra Boldy
President of the California Society of Nurse Anesthetists
opinion
trusted experts
“Stanislaus Hospital could close following Medicare decision” (modbee.com, April 23)
The article states that certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide anesthetics outside the scope of their practice. This is an incorrect statement. CRNAs may administer any drug that an anesthesiologist would administer. CRNAs are highly trained anesthesiologists who can practice independently in California without the supervision of a physician.
CRNAs are the only anesthesia professionals who have experience in critical care before starting an anesthesia program. This is usually a minimum of 2 years experience in an intensive care unit. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, experienced registered nurses enter a formal 3-4 year long CRNA program. Starting in 2022, CRNAs will be required to have a Ph.D.
CRNAs practice in any setting where anesthesia is provided. They administer more than 50 million anesthetics annually in the United States and represent more than 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties in the United States. These trusted professionals provide excellent, safe, and compassionate care to our patients.
Mary Frances Henry, CRNA
modesto
resist fear tactics
“California is spending billions of dollars on homelessness without knowing the consequences. A bill could change that.” (sacbee.com, April 22)
Californians for Safer Communities’ ballot measure aims to send more people to prison without addressing the root cause of theft: poverty. This response to systemic economic problems is an expensive failure that we have seen before, costing taxpayers $132,860 per year for each person incarcerated.
Some of the proposed solutions have more cost-effective solutions. It’s about investing in people, not punitive punishment, and building pathways to careers with livable wages. And we will invest in apprenticeship and fair opportunity hiring initiatives to ensure living wage employment and economic mobility for the 8 million Californians with arrest records. These are investments with a proven return on investment and are effective in reducing recidivism rates.
California voters made the right decision by approving Proposition 47. Let’s hope voters see through the smokescreen and resist the lure of a reign of terror.
ken oliver
auckland
player safety
“Kids can continue playing tackle football despite risk of brain injury after California bill dies” (modbee.com, January 17)
Schools should not cancel soccer because of injuries. Instead, you can take precautions to prevent injury.
High school quarterback Evan Murray died from a football injury, raising questions about the safety of the sport. Three other players passed during the same season. I believe that in soccer, there are many deaths of young people because coaches are not concerned about the safety of their players.
Coaches can and should provide appropriate guidance to prevent injuries. Schools can also provide safety equipment such as additional protective padding.
Xenia Quiralte
merced
early college advocate
“Early College Elevates High School Students, Including At-Risk High Schoolers” (modbee.com, May 13, 2021)
I think it’s appropriate for students to skip the fourth or even third year in some cases and go straight to university. This motivates students to do more and reach their goals faster. Special education can provide students with better information to make decisions about future plans and career goals.
ariel keltner
merced
