What concern did Dr. Farr express in 1918?

• A. Lack of physician involvement in anesthesia and nurses establishing themselves in the field.
• B. The need to ban nurse anesthetists immediately.
• C. The superiority of nurse anesthetists over physicians.
• D. Need for a separate licensing board for nurse anesthetists.

Answer: (D)

Professional regulation and credentialing for nurse anesthetists is the idea being tested. In 1918, Dr. Farr expressed that nurse anesthetists should have their own licensing mechanism to govern their practice. Creating a separate licensing board would set specific education standards, certification requirements, and ongoing continuing education for nurse anesthetists, ensuring consistent, safe care while recognizing the distinct role nurses play in anesthesia. This approach clarifies who is qualified to practice and how they are evaluated, which is why it’s the best answer. The other options miss the point by focusing on opinions about involvement, banning the role, or claiming superiority, rather than establishing formal regulatory authority for nurse anesthesia.