What does the doctrine of respondeat superior mean for CRNAs practicing under physician supervision?

• A. CRNAs are personally liable for all acts regardless of supervision.
• B. Employers may be liable for negligent acts of CRNAs acting within the scope of employment; liability can be shared with supervising physicians.
• C. There is no liability for employers.
• D. Only the patient bears liability.

Answer: (B)

Respondeat superior is a form of vicarious liability: an employer can be held liable for the negligent acts of its employees when those acts occur within the scope of the employee’s duties. For CRNAs practicing under physician supervision, this means the hospital or anesthesia group can be responsible for a CRNA’s negligent anesthesia care because the CRNA is acting as part of the employer’s team. Liability can be shared with the supervising physician, especially if the physician’s oversight or supervision contributed to the harm or if the misconduct falls within the supervising physician’s duties to oversee care. This doctrine does not make the CRNA personally liable for all acts regardless of supervision, nor does it eliminate employer liability or make the patient the sole bearer of liability.