The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society : official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society
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The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Department of Anesthesiology performed an analysis of anesthesia practice and needs within the State of Louisiana. The State of Louisiana currently has approximately 300 practicing anesthesiologists (physicians), 700 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and does not currently utilize anesthesiologist assistants (AAs). ⋯ The overwhelming majority of surgical and obstetric procedures is performed using the anesthesia care team approach both nationally and in the State of Louisiana. Within the anesthesia care team model, the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants are interchangeable, and both would meet the need for mid-level anesthesia providers in the State of Louisiana.