Optimization ≠ Clearance: Setting the Record Straight in Anesthesia episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 57 MIN

Optimization ≠ Clearance: Setting the Record Straight in Anesthesia

from Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs · host Jeremy Stanley

This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While well-intentioned, this language blurs professional boundaries and creates real risks for patients and anesthesia teams alike. The goals for this show are to help you be able to: Differentiate between preoperative medical optimization and anesthesia clearance. Explain why anesthesia providers are uniquely qualified to determine anesthesia-related risk. Describe the appropriate role of non-anesthesia consultants in the perioperative period. Apply modern risk assessment tools, such as the DASI scale, to evaluate perioperative anesthesia risk. Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While well-intentioned, this language blurs professional boundaries and creates real risks for patients and anesthesia teams alike. The goals for this show are to help you be able to: Differentiate between preoperative medical optimization and anesthesia clearance. Explain why anesthesia providers are uniquely qualified to determine anesthesia-related risk. Describe the appropriate role of non-anesthesia consultants in the perioperative period. Apply modern risk assessment tools, such as the DASI scale, to evaluate perioperative anesthesia risk. Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

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Optimization ≠ Clearance: Setting the Record Straight in Anesthesia

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This episode is 57 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 18, 2026.

What is this episode about?

This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While...

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