Doctor Garcia Chiuopoco mandates CRNA presence for endoscopy procedures to ensure patient safety

The Medical Board of California convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding Dr. Garcia Chiuopoco, a physician involved in a disciplinary case related to her monitoring practices during endoscopy procedures. The meeting highlighted Dr. Chiuopoco's recent decision to employ certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for all her endoscopy procedures, a move aimed at enhancing patient safety and addressing concerns raised during the disciplinary proceedings.

During the discussions, it was noted that Dr. Chiuopoco's use of CRNAs alleviates previous worries about her ability to monitor patients effectively. The board acknowledged that this proactive step demonstrates her commitment to patient safety, suggesting that the presence of a CRNA could have prevented the issues that led to the initial accusations against her.

The accusations against Dr. Chiuopoco included claims of inadequate patient monitoring, poor communication with assisting staff, failure to recognize patient distress, and issues with documentation. However, the defense argued that the board's claims lacked sufficient evidence, particularly regarding the experience level of the assisting nurse, who had been practicing for ten months. The defense contended that there was no basis for asserting that Dr. Chiuopoco should have taken additional precautions based on the nurse's experience.

The meeting also addressed the credibility of the board's arguments, particularly concerning allegations that Dr. Chiuopoco falsified medical records. The defense challenged these claims, emphasizing that the evidence presented did not support the assertion that she concealed critical patient information.

In conclusion, the Medical Board of California's discussions underscored the importance of ensuring patient safety through appropriate staffing and monitoring practices. Dr. Chiuopoco's implementation of CRNAs represents a significant shift in her practice, aimed at preventing future incidents and enhancing the overall quality of care provided to patients. The board's next steps will likely involve further evaluation of the evidence and the implications of Dr. Chiuopoco's changes in practice.