Nurse Anesthetist Expert Witnesses

Find the right anesthesia expert witness for your case

Nurse anesthetists are nurses who specialize in the administration of anesthesia. In the United States, nurse anesthetists are considered Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), licensed and certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), and are often referred to as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).

CRNAs may work independently or under the supervision of an anesthesiologist in administering local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia, as well as mild to moderate conscious sedation. They are also responsible for monitoring patients closely during anesthesia administration to ensure they remain safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.

In the United States, the scope of practice for nurse anesthetists varies by state. For example, some states allow nurse anesthetists to work independently and administer anesthesia without physician supervision, while others require nurse anesthetists to work under the supervision of a physician. Additionally, some states have limitations on the types of procedures that nurse anesthetists can perform independently.

The role of a nurse anesthetist as an expert witness

CRNA expert witnesses are most often needed in medical malpractice cases involving surgery in which a CRNA participated. Depending on the circumstances, liability for an injury may fall on the CRNA, the supervising anesthesiologist, the surgeon, or other medical professionals involved in the surgery. As an expert witness, a nurse anesthetist can explain the applicable standards of care and the roles and responsibilities of the CRNA to help both plaintiff and defense attorneys understand what happened and who was responsible.

CRNAs can also testify in legal matters involving anesthesia side effects and complications, endotracheal intubation, nerve injuries due to improper patient participating, and post-anesthesia care units (PACU). They may also be involved in birth injury and maternal injury cases involving errors in the use of an epidural during labor and delivery.

Find the right medical expert for your malpractice case

Medical malpractice cases involving surgery tend to be complex and have high stakes. An experienced CRNA expert witness can make a dramatic difference. Our network includes experienced, highly qualified nurse anesthetists who are available for both consultation and deposition and trial testimony. Contact Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants today for a free case summary review.