For many years, the “recertification fee” was paid every two years (for the upcoming two years of your certification), and this continued the same under the CPC Program when it launched in 2016. Now, in response to CRNA requests and to simplify the timing, instead of paying your CPC fee every two years, the fee structure will change to be every four years and will coincide with the timing of your every-four-year CPC Compliance Application (formerly “Recertification Application”).

Starting in 2020, as we continue with the four-year payment cycle, the CPC fee will be $250 every four years and there will no longer be a fee associated with the application. The 2-year Check-in will continue, as it serves several essential functions, but there will no longer be a fee associated with it. Overall, this amounts to just 17 cents a day to maintain your valuable CRNA credential.

Paid at four-year intervals, the fee helps NBCRNA meet its expenses that occur throughout the year, not just at the time of certification. The monetary support of CRNAs and careful financial management have resulted in the NBCRNA being in a stable financial position to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Year-long activities supported include:

General, Ongoing, Day-to-Day CRNA Support

What we do:

  • We respond to a variety of daily email and telephone inquiries from individual CRNAs.
  • We provide CRNAs with transcript information and other individual records upon request.
  • We occasionally investigate complex issues and provide rapid responses for individual CRNAs so that they can maintain clinical privileges at their place of practice.
  • We facilitate the work of over 100 CRNA volunteers on NBCRNA committees and work groups that engage in certification program development and execution. Face-to-face meetings, conference calls, and staff support requires a substantial amount of time and financial commitment.
  • We maintain state-of-the-art technology and services to ensure efficient and effective certification and recertification processes, and provide technical support to individual CRNAs.

 

Communications Efforts and Outreach

What we do:

  • Engage in ongoing communications with the nurse anesthetist community. This includes the NBCRNA website and social media sites, as well as contacting CRNAs on a regular basis by email and U.S. mail.
  • Maintain a database of contact information for all members of the nurse anesthetist community. The NBCRNA must continually review and update contact information.  We have determined that approximately 1,200 individuals change their contact information over a two-year period of time.
  • The NBCRNA maintains the only comprehensive database of CRNA contact information. 

 

Credentialing and Licensing Support for CRNAs

What we do:

  • The NBCRNA works with all 52 boards of nursing (BON) on behalf of CRNAs, on a daily basis.
  • The NBCRNA manages disciplinary processes involving CRNAs which tends to be very expensive and time consuming.
  • The NBCRNA works with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and  state boards to support advanced nursing practice.
  • Maintain the credential verification portal.

Outside Agency Work on Behalf of CRNAs

What we do:

  • We address state and federal regulatory issues that might impact CRNA certification.
  • We work with individual institutions, when necessary, to address credentialing inquires.
  • We maintain electronic access for individuals and facilities for credentialing inquires.
  • We work with other external organizations throughout healthcare for credentialing- related initiatives to help protect and further the CRNA credential.

Example:

  • The NBCRNA is explicitly referenced in CMS regulations; this means that CRNA certification allows nurse anesthetists to bill for Medicare part B.

Accreditation & Quality Assurance

What we do:

  • To be recognized as a certifying organization, the NBCRNA holds accreditation with two national agencies. This brings credibility to the CRNA credential and is required by insurers, reimbursement agencies, policy makers, and regulatory groups.
  • We have an ongoing data analysis and internal audit process for quality assurance and policy improvement to better serve the CRNA community and the public.
  • Monitor satisfaction and suggestions. Invite/solicit feedback and suggestions from the CRNA population.

Example:

  • Policy improvement implemented due to CRNA input in the form of password change via text message.

About the NBCRNA

The NBCRNA works throughout the year on behalf of CRNAs and the credential. The NBCRNA is dedicated to promoting patient safety by enhancing provider quality in the field of nurse anesthesia. We accomplish our mission through the development and implementation of credentialing programs that support lifelong learning among nurse anesthetists. The NBCRNA credentialing provides assurances to the public that certified individuals have met objective, predetermined qualifications for providing nurse anesthesia services. The certification credential for nurse anesthetists has been institutionalized in many position descriptions as a practice requirement or as the standard for demonstrating equivalency. It has been recognized through malpractice litigation, state nurse practice acts, and state rules and regulations. Please visit www.nbcrna.com for more information on the NBCRNA and resources available for CRNAs.