Advancing recertification for nurse anesthetists in an environment of increased accountability

The nurse anesthesia profession has been an advocate of credentialing since 1945 when the certification program and initial requirements were introduced. Substantial changes have evolved in the credentialing of health professionals over recent years to include documentation of initial and continuing competence while promoting patient safety. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) has conducted a 3-year investigation into continuing competence as applied to the practice of nurse anesthesia and to other professions. The purpose of this article is to present the essential concepts and current developments related to competence and continuing competence for nurse anesthetists. The NBCRNA continues to seek input from nurse anesthetists and stakeholders in its deliberations on how to define the future requirements for continuing competence.