This week, CRC Daily covers advanced practice professionals. A year ago, three categories of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) were granted full practice authority within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system when acting within their scope of employment. This stepped up authority, the result of a final rule announced on December 14, 2016, extends to certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives. Left out, however, were certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA)—who had been part of the proposed rule.

Two groups, one on each side of the CRNA practice authority question, both say they want what is best for patients and the healthcare system in general.

21st Century Oncology Inc. of Fort Myers, Florida, which operates 179 cancer centers, has agreed to pay $26 million after admitting it knowingly submitted false attestations to CMS as part of the Medicare Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program. Under the program, physicians may receive incentive payments and avoid downward adjustments to certain Medicare claims if they can attest to their meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

Attending the 2018 CRC Symposium? Don't forget to download the app in order to take full advantage of the conference. The app features all conference materials, a list of speakers and attendees, and ways to enjoy Las Vegas and win prizes! 

To download our conference app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for H3.Group Events. The app is available for iPhone, iPad®, Android, and HTML5 for BlackBerry®. Sign in using your conference registration email address and the password crc2018.

Attending the 2018 CRC Sympoisum is sure to keep you busy, provide valuable education, and great networking opportunities, but make sure you leave some time to enjoy the Las Vegas area. When you first think of Las Vegas, you likely think of slot machines, shows, and parties. But a number of alternative activities in the area are real crowd pleasers too. Check out our list of local attractions.

Has your medical staff office gone paperless? Answer our new poll question and let us know. You must be signed in with your free or paid CRC account to participate.

If you have made the switch or plan on doing so in the near future, join us for our upcoming webinar, How to Succeed in a Paperless System. Our expert speakers will discuss the process of obtaining and applying the robust data needed so your paperless system boosts your departmental efficiency.

HCPro is conducting market research for a product we would like to launch this year and looking for some quick feedback from you. If you also are involved in any aspect of graduate medical education at your facility, please help us with the following.