CRNA Advanced Practice

Kentucky CRNA License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Kentucky

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$165

Renewal Period

1 years

Practice Authority

full

Full Practice Authority

CRNA: state has opted out of the CMS Medicare physician-supervision requirement (April 2012); CRNAs may administer anesthesia without physician supervision under Medicare. State scope of practice may add requirements.

Prescriptive Authority: Independent for anesthesia care: KRS 314.042 states a CRNA is NOT required to enter a collaborative agreement to deliver anesthesia care (select/order anesthesia-related drugs). A CAPA-NS/CAPA-CS collaborative agreement is required only to prescribe legend/controlled drugs for pain management outside anesthesia care (per KBN legal opinion, KRS 314.042 / 314.011(8)(b)).

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Note: As of January 1, 2025, entry-level nurse anesthetist programs must be doctoral (DNP or DNAP). CRNAs educated prior to this date with an MSN remain eligible.

Program Requirements

Complete accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program
Hold active RN license in the state
Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

NBCRNA

Required

Yes

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

3 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee	$165
Total	$165

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 1 years)

$55

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

1 years

Renewal cycle

Pharmacology: 5 hours required

Annual; one-time: 2 hrs suicide prevention, 1.5 hrs pediatric abusive head trauma, 3 hrs domestic violence

Prerequisites

To become a CRNA in Kentucky, you must first hold an active RN license and typically have ICU experience. Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.

RN Requirements View Kentucky RN Requirements