Which statement about vicarious liability is true?

• A. The supervising physician is ultimately responsible for negligent acts by CRNA
• B. The patient is liable for all actions
• C. The hospital cannot be liable
• D. The CRNA has full liability independent of supervisor

Answer: (D)

Understanding vicarious liability means recognizing two ideas at once: the supervisor or employer can be responsible for the acts of someone under their supervision, and the individual clinician is personally liable for their own negligent conduct. In anesthesia care, a CRNA is responsible for the care she provides and must answer for her own negligent actions, regardless of what the supervisor or hospital might also be liable for under vicarious liability. This personal accountability stands independently of the supervisor’s role, meaning the CRNA cannot avoid consequences by shifting blame; she bears full liability for her own mistakes. At the same time, the supervising physician or the hospital can also be liable if their own negligence or failure to supervise contributed to the harm, so liability can be shared.