January 27, 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

Thanks to all who made the 2025 National CRNA Week a resounding success. We continue to be amazed at our members’ creativity, pride, and passion in promoting our profession. Just take a look at the #CRNAWeek hashtag on your favorite social media channels! Do you have any photos that you would like to share for next year’s CRNA Week? Submit them online here.

California Wildfire Impact 

AANA is continuing to monitor the situation and work with Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs to find ways to help programs in affected areas. One way to help RRNAs directly is to contribute to the AANA Foundation’s Resident Educational Scholarship (REES) Program, which provides needs-based scholarships to support RRNAs experiencing financial hardship due to a crisis and/or natural disaster that could hinder, delay, or prevent the completion of their nurse anesthesiology education. If you are an RRNA who has been impacted by the wildfires or other disasters, please visit the REES Program webpage to learn more and apply for assistance.  

This is a great opportunity for AANA members to come together to take care of our own. Text "RRNA" to 41444 to donate to the REES fund. 100% of donations to the REES fund go to RRNAs in need. 

Writ of Mandamus 

In September 2024, the AANA filed a Writ of Mandamus to compel the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enforce the nondiscrimination provisions of the Affordable Care Act.  AANA’s legal team expects the government to file a motion to dismiss, as is standard legal practice. AANA is monitoring the issue and will continue to work with the court through our legal team on this issue as appropriate. We also understand that the changes in administration could significantly change the landscape of healthcare and will continue to work with the new administration to address health insurance/plans discriminatory practices against nurse anesthesia providers. 

Engaging the New Administration 

AANA has hit the ground running to meet the challenges of advocating for CRNA practice with a new administration and Congress. The AANA is actively engaging the new administration as well as Congress on our priorities.  

Noteworthy Upcoming Events 

• We’re looking forward to meeting educators and students The Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators, February 12-15, in Tucson, Arizona.  This year’s ADCE will feature small-group, in-depth sessions and a valuable opportunity to connect with educators at the forefront of nurse anesthesia learning.  

• Registration is now open for the AANA Mid-Year Assembly, April 26-30. Join your community of proud anesthesia experts in Washington, D.C. You’ll leave MYA 2025 with influential new connections, strategies to use back home, and a reinvigorated passion for our profession. 

As always, thank you for being a part of our extraordinary profession and for participating in the AANA.  

Sincerely, 

The AANA Board of Directors 

IN THIS ISSUE

• AANA VP Discusses how Reimbursement Policy Changes Hurt Vulnerable Patients 

• AANA CEO Op-Ed Outlines Advocacy Priorities 

• Rep. Kiggans Introduces PRECEPT Nurses Act 

• 2024 MIPS Data Submission Period is Open 

• New Clinical Coordinator Toolkit Provides Well-being Resources for Residents 
  
  

• Coming Soon: Journal Course Essentials Volume 2

• Coming Soon: Application Deadline for the 2025 Class of Fellows 

ADVOCACY UPDATES

AANA VP Discusses how Reimbursement Policy Changes Hurt Vulnerable Patients

In an interview published on January 14, 2025, in Health Exec, AANA Vice President Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA, discussed how recent anesthesia reimbursement policy changes by insurance companies, including cuts for CRNA services, can harm vulnerable patient populations.   

“Historically, CRNAs and anesthesiologists have been reimbursed the same by most payers. Even now, under Medicare, CRNAs and anesthesiologists receive identical reimbursement when they provide the same anesthesia for any given case. There is no variation in compensation based on educational degree,” said Young. 

“However, what we're now seeing in the commercial market is that payers are attempting to implement policies that pay CRNAs 85% of the physician fee schedule—essentially a 15% reduction from what they've historically received. This move mirrors the way nurse practitioners are paid, as they often bill alongside a physician.  

“It’s unclear what will happen, as the AANA is suing the federal government to ask CMS to do its job and enforce the law. That lawsuit is still pending. But the trend is troubling. If we continue to see more reimbursement cuts, and CRNA reimbursement keeps getting lower and lower, the provider shortage could worsen. There’s already a shortage of anesthesiologists. And now patients—especially those in areas where services may be—could see even worse care delays than they’re seeing now.” Read Q&A: Vulnerable patients hit hardest by anesthesia reimbursement cuts. 

AANA CEO Op-Ed Outlines Advocacy Priorities

AANA CEO Bill Bruce, MBA, CAE, discussed the association's federal advocacy priorities in a recently published Op-Ed in Becker's. In the op-ed, Bruce discussed the importance of removing federal barriers to CRNA practice in both Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration. Many of AANA's priorities revolve around increasing patient access to care, reducing costs to consumers, and improving the efficiency of anesthesia delivery. 

Rep. Kiggans Introduces PRECEPT Nurses Act

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan PRECEPT Nurses Act, along with Reps Dave Joyce (R-OH), Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Jim Costa (D-CA). The bill would establish a $2,000 tax credit for nurses who serve as a clinical preceptor to nursing students. AANA is supporting the legislation, along with other nursing organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.  

Rep. Kiggans' office put out a press release touting the importance of the bill: “As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen how staffing shortages negatively impact patients firsthand and know how important it is for our nurses to have access to the proper training they deserve,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. “By creating more opportunities for both existing nurses and nursing students, we can provide better, more reliable care to America’s patients while preventing burnout in our healthcare workforce. I am proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle in both the House and Senate to introduce this important legislation and support nurses across our country.” 

SIGNIFICANT NEWS

2024 MIPS Data Submission Period is Open

CRNAs who were eligible for MIPS reporting in 2024 can submit their performance category data through the Quality Payment Program accounts. The reporting pathways include traditional MIPS (individuals and groups), clinicians in Advanced Alternative Payment models (APMs) and MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs). The QPP Access User Guide is available if you need assistance creating or accessing a QPP account.  The deadline for data submission is Monday, March 31, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET. 

New Clinical Coordinator Toolkit Provides Well-being Resources for Residents

 Managing their own well-being while juggling personal and school responsibilities can be a major challenge for RRNAs . AANA has compiled a toolkit of wellness resources to help nurse anesthesiology program coordinators support RRNAs in prioritizing well-being in school and throughout their careers. Produced by AANA’s Wellness Committee, the Clinical Coordinator Toolkit provides recommendations and links to AANA and national resources relating to six components of well-being: Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Social, Occupational, and Spiritual. Topics covered include sleep, physical activity, nutrition, substance use disorder, suicide prevention, effective engagement and teaching strategies, burnout, workplace civility, mindfulness, and more.  Read more. 

Coming Soon: Journal Course Essentials Volume 2

Discover Journal Course Essentials Volume 2, the ultimate way to earn bulk CE credits for one low price. Building on the success of Volume 1, this new edition offers flexible, career-relevant content from the AANA Journal, designed to fit your busy schedule. AANA members enjoy automatic credit submission to NBCRNA, making the process seamless. Don’t miss out—fill out the interest form today to stay updated! 

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Coming Soon: Application Deadline for the 2025 Class of Fellows

Stand out as a leader in nurse anesthesiology by joining the 2025 Class of Fellows! This prestigious designation, FAANA, recognizes CRNAs and nurse anesthesiologists who exemplify excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and professional advocacy. Active or emeritus AANA members are eligible to apply, and acceptance into this elite group signifies a major career milestone and dedication to advancing the field. Meet AANA’s high standards and showcase your impactful contributions—apply today to elevate your career! The deadline to apply is February 3, 2025.

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.