MA S783

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) must be reimbursed at the same rate as physicians for the same anesthesia services across all insurance types, including state employee coverage, Medicaid, private insurers, HMOs, and preferred provider organizations.

Insurers and health plans cannot distinguish between physicians and CRNAs for purposes of participation, coverage, or payment when both are acting within their licensed scope of practice.

Physician reimbursement rates cannot be reduced to comply with the equal payment requirements for CRNAs.

All claims must identify the National Provider Identifier of the physician or CRNA who provided the service.

When existing laws require physician authorization for anesthesia services as a condition of reimbursement, a CRNA practicing in an advanced practice role may fulfill that requirement.