Anesthesiologists: Patient Safety Concerns Over MercyOne's New Provider

(Des Moines, IA) -- The Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists says MercyOne’s switch to Vituity reduces physician oversight of nurse anesthetists during complex or emergency cases.

MercyOne, which changed providers on May 31, says its anesthesia team is fully staffed and delivering safe, high-quality care. The dispute centers on physician-led teams versus a model with greater autonomy for nurse anesthetists.

Both sides say patient safety is the priority.