The testimony and scientific evidence indicate no significant difference in patient outcomes based on whether anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist. Office surgeons and their professional societies agree that an office-based surgeon may safely supervise a nurse anesthetist. None of the three national organizations that accredit office surgical facilities requires that nurse anesthetists be supervised by an anesthesiologist. No other state requires that nurse anesthetists be supervised by an anesthesiologist in the office setting. The U.S. Armed forces do not require anesthesiologist supervision of nurse anesthetists in any practice setting.
Most surgeons utilize nurse anesthetists due to the considerable cost savings to patients.