The next time you hear from us, we will be at the 2026 AANA Annual Congress, preparing to pass the leadership of this remarkable organization to the Membership Year 2027 Board of Directors.
Serving on your Board of Directors has been the experience of a lifetime. It has been an honor to represent you during a year of meaningful progress for AANA and the profession of nurse anesthesiology. One of the greatest privileges has been meeting members from across the country, and we hope to see many of you in Boston.
Be Part of Something Bigger
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to renew your AANA membership. When CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists come together, we accomplish more than any one of us could alone. We elevate the voice of nurse anesthesiology, advance clinical practice, celebrate our profession, and create opportunities for the next generation of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. We’ve got you.
Thank you for an exceptional year. We look forward to celebrating with you in Boston and to the bright future ahead.
Ask Your Legislators to Cosponsor the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act (H.R.2234)
Important Notice: Wisconsin APRN Licensure Transition and Application for Independent Practice
National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit: AANA’s 32nd Successful Year as an Exhibitor
Help Elect Nurses and Nursing Champions to Office
Are You Registered to Vote?
AANA Updated Practice Documents Available Online
AANA Honors Excellence in Nurse Anesthesiology
Ohio State Representative Kellie Deeter to Receive Special Recognition Award for Her Exceptional Legislative Leadership
Congratulations to AANA Foundation Award Winners
Advocacy Updates
Ask Your Legislators to Cosponsor the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act (H.R.2234)
The Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025, introduced by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL) in the U.S. House, would remove outdated and unnecessary barriers that limit veterans' access to timely anesthesia care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This legislation will align the VHA with current Defense Health Agency policy, reduce wait times, increase access to care, and strengthen safety and transparency within the VHA. This bill will allow both CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists to be autonomous providers of anesthesia, and we need your help to gain support. Urge your Legislator to cosponsor this bill today.
Important Notice: Wisconsin APRN Licensure Transition and Application for Independent Practice
If you currently practice as a CRNA with a Wisconsin “advanced practice nurse prescriber” (APNP) credential, or with a Wisconsin RN license, please see important information concerning conversion to “advanced practice registered nurse” (APRN) licensure. The link includes responses from the Board of Nursing to frequently asked questions concerning recent changes to Wisconsin law, including licensure transition process and qualifying for independent practice. The online licensure portal is now active for licenses to be issued beginning September 1, 2026 (the effective date of the new law).
National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit: AANA’s 32nd Successful Year as an Exhibitor
AANA welcomed over 8,200 state legislators, legislative and executive agency staff, and representatives from trade and professional associations to its booth at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, Illinois from July 28 - 29. The 2026 meeting was an invaluable opportunity to visit informally with legislators and their staff from all 50 states.
AANA’s exhibit booth was staffed by local volunteers from the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: Erin Papciak, RN; Liz Guzman, RN; Patrick O’Carroll, RN; Jess Lecea, RN; Ilana Solomon, RN; and Jennifer Clevenger, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, NSPM-C, CNE. Sarah Chacko, JD, Senior Director; Lesley Arca, JD, Associate Director; and Makenzie Doubek, JD, Associate; represented AANA and its State Government Affairs Division at the exhibit booth. The AANA State Government Affairs Division would like to thank the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia Depaul University for coordinating local volunteers and for all local volunteers who made this event successful!
Left to right: Lesley Arca, Makenzie Doubek, Sarah Chacko, Jennifer Clevenger, Erin Papciak, Liz Guzman
Left to right: Lesley Arca, Makenzie Doubek, Jennifer Clevenger, Patrick O’Carroll, Jess Lecea, Ilana Solomon
Help Elect Nurses and Nursing Champions to Office
Electing nurses and nursing champions to public office is a top goal of the CRNA-PAC’s Nursing Votes initiative. Now, we’re making it easier for AANA members and the public at large to help us achieve this goal. Click here to make a direct contribution to CRNAs, other nurses, and nursing champions who understand the value that you bring to patients and the U.S. healthcare system. Will you do your part to help elect our leaders to state and federal office today?
Are You Registered to Vote?
Primary season is underway, and the November mid-term election will be here before you know it. Now is the time to make sure you’re ready for your voice to be heard. You can register to vote, check your voter registration status, get your options for in person and absentee voting, and see who’s on your ballot in your state and district here.
The AANA will recognize CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists for their achievements and contributions to the advancement of nurse anesthesiology with awards to be presented at the 2026 Annual Congress, Aug. 21–25, in Boston.
Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment: Janet A. Dewan, PhD, MS. This award was established in 1975 to recognize individuals whose foremost dedication to excellence has furthered the art and science of nurse anesthesiology.
Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award:John Maye, PhD, CRNA, CAPT, USN (Ret.). Established in 1980, this award is presented to a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist who has made a significant contribution to the education of nurse anesthesiology residents.
Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award:Roxanne “Roxy” Brault, CRNA. This award recognizes the accomplishments of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists involved in direct patient care, who have made an important contribution to the advancement of nurse anesthesiology practice.
Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy:Jackie S. Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN. Established in 2000 this award recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who participate in overcoming legislative, legal, and regulatory challenges to nurse anesthesiology practice rights.
Ohio State Representative Kellie Deeter to Receive Special Recognition Award for Her Exceptional Legislative Leadership
The AANA will recognize Ohio State Representative and CRNA Kellie Deeter, DNP, CRNA, CNP, with a Special Recognition Award for extraordinary legislative leadership that advanced CRNA practice, strengthened patient access to anesthesia care, and elevated the nurse anesthesiology profession. Rep. Deeter will be honored during the AANA 2026 Annual Congress, August 21-25, in Boston.
Rep. Deeter has leveraged her unique perspective as both a practicing CRNA and elected state legislator to champion reforms addressing outdated statutory and regulatory barriers affecting nurse anesthesiology practice and reimbursement. Her efforts culminated in transformative policy changes that modernized Ohio law, improved access to care across the state, and enforced payer parity for CRNAs. Read more.
Congratulations to AANA Foundation Award Winners
During the 2026 Congress, the AANA Foundation will recognize four CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists for their outstanding service in the areas of research, advocacy, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
John F. Garde Researcher of the Year Award:Susan P. McMullan, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CHSE, FAANA. Established in 1999, the award is named for former AANA Executive Director John Garde and is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the practice of nurse anesthesiology through clinical research.
Lorraine M. Jordan Advocate of the Year Award: Chuck Griffis, PhD, CRNA, FAANA. Named in honor of Dr. Lorraine M. Jordan, AANA Foundation CEO from 1987 to 2024, this award is presented to an AANA Foundation supporter for outstanding commitment to the nurse anesthesia profession through individually supporting the AANA Foundation and encouraging others to do the same.
Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award: Janet A. Dewan, PhD, MS, CRNA. The Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty as a supporter of the AANA Foundation and other philanthropic organizations.
Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award:Eric Kramer, DNAP, CRNA, FNP-C. The Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award is presented to a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist who volunteers and provides anesthesia, education, and training in areas of need in the United States and overseas.
The following is an FEC required legal notification for CRNA-PAC. Gifts to political action committees are not tax deductible. Contributions to CRNA-PAC are for political purposes. All contributions to CRNA-PAC are voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. The guidelines are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest and the association will not favor or disadvantage you by reason of the amount contributed or the decision not to contribute. Federal law requires CRNA-PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. Each contributor must be a US Citizen.
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology 10275 West Higgins Road, Suite 500 Rosemont, IL 60018
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