Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's March 23 executive order, which allows nurse anesthetists to perform anesthesia procedures without physician supervision, is being met with opposition, according to local NBC affiliate KVOA.
More than 1,400 physicians have signed a petition asking the Republican governor to make the opt-out order temporary during the COVID-19 crisis.
Additionally, upward of 600 physicians and 500 citizens have written letters asking Mr. Ducey to reevaluate the opt-out. They have expressed concerns that nurse anesthetists don't have the same level of experience as physician anesthesiologists, potentially affecting patient safety.
Other states have temporarily opted out of physician supervision requirements, but Arizona is the first state since 2012 to do it permanently. Mr. Ducey has been criticized for making the decision without consulting the medical community.