When is responsibility for anesthesia care transferred from the CRNA to another anesthesia professional?

• A. Immediately before induction
• B. Upon acceptance by another anesthesia professional
• C. Only after the procedure ends
• D. Only when the patient requests

Answer: (B)

Responsibility for anesthesia care transfers at the moment the next anesthesia professional accepts the case and assumes accountability. This formal acceptance creates a clear handoff so both practitioners and the patient have a defined point where care responsibility moves from one provider to another. It isn’t tied to a fixed time like just before induction or after the case ends, and it isn’t dependent on the patient asking for it. The receiving clinician must explicitly acknowledge and take over the ongoing management, ensuring continuity and safety of care.