NBCRNA - AANA Memorandum of Understanding

TERMS OF THE MOU

1. The following understandings regarding the CPC Program and timeline were agreed to by the AANA and NBCRNA:

• A moratorium on the CPC program start date from January 1, 2016 to August 1, 2016.
• CPC Core Modules will be voluntary for the first 4-year cycle; any modification of the core module program for the second cycle will be based on data gathered and evaluated during the first cycle by the AANA and NBCRNA.
• Core modules will address the same content areas as the CPC Examination while providing information on current trends in anesthesia and helping certificants prepare for the CPC Examination.
• The NBCRNA in collaboration with the AANA Continuing Education Committee, will explore additional options beyond retaking a CPC module for CRNAs who do not meet the performance standards of the “low stakes” CPC Examination during the 2020-2024 recertification cycle.
• Following the initial administration of the CPC examination (2020-2024/2025 cycle), with input from the AANA and other stakeholders, the NBCRNA will review testing methods and procedures to determine the appropriateness of the testing regime for the second administration of the CPC examination (2028-2032/2033) cycle.

2.  The organizations agree to implement a communication plan establishing frequent and timely communication with nurse anesthetists. Examples may include updates at state association meetings and quarterly teleconferences with stakeholders such as state leaders, chief CRNAs, and through other avenues.

3. The understanding between AANA and NBCRNA include:

• The NBCRNA’s CPC Chair, or other designee as agreed upon by both Parties, shall act as a liaison on behalf of the NBCRNA to the AANA Continuing Education committee.
• Any proposed changes to the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program by the NBCRNA as it relates to the CE components will be communicated to the CE Committee with an opportunity for comment prior to implementation.
• The AANA CE Committee and the NBCRNA will conduct collaborative surveys as directed by the AANA and NBCRNA Board of Directors to gather feedback from AANA members about the CPC Program.
• The AANA and the NBCRNA shall evaluate appropriate opportunities to coordinate and collaborate upon projects and initiatives that both organizations determine are in the best interest of the profession and will further the shared goal of advancing patient and public safety.
• This MOU provides additional information and terms of understanding and does not replace the MOU between the AANA and the NBCRNA signed on May 13, 2014 or change the duties and responsibilities of the CE Committee as charged by the AANA Bylaws Article XIII, Section 5, B: Continuing Education Committee.

4. The parties may carry on additional collaborative activities if agreed upon by both the AANA and NBCRNA.

5. The AANA and the NBCRNA will each bear its own expenses in connection with performing collaborative activities contemplated by this MOU, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

FINAL CONSIDERATION 

The AANA and NBCRNA play an important role in ensuring this acceptance, through engaging stakeholders in the development and implementation of certification criteria, resulting in strong and widespread acceptance and inculcation of the standards and process of nurse anesthetist credentialing. Page 3 of 3 Both organizations are committed to the nurse anesthesia profession. The AANA and the NBCRNA will continue to work together to promote a certification program that is credible to the public, positions the profession into the future, and promotes the value of the CRNA credential.