How does ASA determine the approach that the Society will take regarding critical issues such as scope of practice for nurse anesthetists, surprise billing, drug shortages and the opioid crisis? The ultimate decision-making authority for these and many more issues rests with the House of Delegates (HOD), and the discussion and debate of these topics occurs at the meetings of the House of Delegates. This pair of meetings occurs each year in conjunction with the ASA annual meeting. Who attends? What goes on? Although these meetings are open to all ASA members, unfortunately, most anesthesiologists have never been. If you’ve never attended, allow me to provide a simplified virtual tour of this fascinating activity.
The HOD is the primary representative, legislative and policy-setting body of ASA. All major decisions of the society must be approved by the HOD. Every practice parameter, standard and guideline is reviewed and approved by the...
