Which act enabled AANA to secure direct reimbursement for CRNAs?

• A. 1983 PSP
• B. OBRA 1986
• C. Medicare Modernization Act
• D. HIPAA

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how reimbursement policies changed to recognize CRNAs as direct billers for their anesthesia services. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 expanded Medicare rules so that CRNAs could be reimbursed directly for anesthesia services, rather than having those services billed only through physicians or anesthesiologists. This change gave CRNAs greater financial autonomy and reinforced their role as independent providers within eligible settings.

HIPAA focuses on patient privacy and security, not reimbursement. The Medicare Modernization Act mainly concerns drug benefits and related changes, not the specific reimbursement status for CRNAs. The 1983 provision referenced isn’t the change that granted direct reimbursement. So the act that enabled direct reimbursement for CRNAs is OBRA 1986.