Colorado nurses allowed to administer anesthesia

The Colorado Court of Appeals has upheld a new state policy allowing advanced-practice nurses to administer anesthesia without a doctor’s supervision.

The appeals court ruled Thursday that the law allows trained nurses to perform advanced medical treatment without supervision as long as it is approved by state officials.

The Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists and the Colorado Medical Society filed a lawsuit challenging the change, claiming doctors performing operations are liable for the actions of anyone in the operating room.

Supporters say the move is aimed at helping rural hospitals that don’t have anesthesiologists on staff. Fifteen other states have also adopted the policy.