TRICARE Recognizes AAs

The Department of Defense published its final rule authorizing anesthesiologist assistants, supervised by an anesthesiologist, to practice under the TRICARE insurance program. Terms of the DoD recognition closely parallel those which have existed under Medicare Part B for the past two decades, and extend to those AAs who are authorized to practice under state law by virtue of licensure, certification, or delegated authority. The rule also confirms TRICARE's existing policy to permit independent practice by nurse anesthetists to the extent authorized by state law -- an authorization which as a practical matter would be effective only in those states which have opted out of the Medicare Part A supervision requirement and permit independent practice under the terms of state statute or regulation.