MINNEAPOLIS, Updated 5:06 p.m. CST October 6, 2005 -- The Minnesota Medical Association is continuing to monitor the fallout from the Minnesota Board of Nursing's controversial decision that administering certain anesthetic drugs should be outside the scope of practice for professional and practical nursing.

The controversy began last summer when the board announced in its July newsletter that it had ruled that administering anesthetic drugs, such as propofol and ketemine, is certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) practice and shouldn't be done by professional or practical nurses.

As a result of the decision, the board heard questions and concerns from many quarters of the health care community. Last month, the board held an informational meeting that drew physicians as well as representatives of hospitals, hospices, and ambulance services. A majority of the comments that the board heard during the meeting dealt with how the board's decision has altered current practices and introduced new clinical challenges, especially in the emergency care settings, said Megan Fogelson, the MMA policy counsel.

During the meeting, representatives of the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) voiced support for the board's decision. MANA officials said that the decision was intended to support nurses -- especially those in rural areas -- who say that certain anesthetic tasks are outside of their "safety zone," Fogelson said.

The MMA is preparing to submit a position paper to the board.