Which statement best describes NBCRNA?

• A. The NBCRNA is a state licensing board
• B. The NBCRNA certifies only initial certification
• C. The NBCRNA is the national body for certifying initial, continued, and subspecialty certification
• D. The NBCRNA accredits anesthesia programs

Answer: (C)

The essential function of NBCRNA is to serve as the national certifying body for nurse anesthesia. Its role is to certify practitioners for initial certification and to oversee continued (recertification) certification, including any subspecialty certifications that demonstrate advanced expertise. Licensure, which is the authority to legally practice, is handled by state boards, not NBCRNA. Additionally, NBCRNA does not accredit anesthesia programs; that responsibility lies with accreditation bodies that evaluate and approve educational programs. So, describing NBCRNA as the national body for certifying initial, continued, and subspecialty certification accurately captures its purpose and activities.