March 24, 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

As we continue working together to advance our profession and advocate for the interests of CRNAs nationwide, we want to share important updates on upcoming events and key advocacy efforts. 

Removing Barriers to CRNA Care – More than 260 organizations support this with us! 

AANA remains steadfast in our advocacy for CRNAs and the patients we serve. We continue to champion the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, which aims to modernize federal healthcare policy by removing barriers to CRNA practice. This critical legislation will enhance access to care for patients across the country by ensuring that advanced practice providers, including CRNAs, can practice to the full extent of their education and training. 

Additionally, we welcome the introduction last week of the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025 by U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA). This critical legislation would align the VHA with current Defense Health Agency policy that allows both CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists to be autonomous providers of anesthesia, while strengthening safety and transparency within the VHA. 

An Inspiring Gathering with Former Presidents 

Most folks will ignore history until they realize they’re part of it.  That realization was impossible to miss the weekend of March 15 when former AANA presidents met at our headquarters in Chicago.  

While this first of its kind conclave was intended to provide them with information and insights into what the AANA is doing these days, the information flow was decidedly in the other direction.  Members of our current Board of Directors, staff, and CEO, are now nursing acute carpal tunnel syndrome from furiously taking notes on the past experiences and current insights of these leaders who paved the way for our current and future successes.  

These leaders who willingly stepped into “The Arena” and braved the numerous assaults in our profession inspired those who will continue to serve long into the future.  It was an honor to host this amazing group of consummate professionals and inspirational mentors. 

Former presidents, current board members, and AANA staff attended the first-ever Former Presidents Forum. Pictured seated, left to right: Mary DePaolis-Lutzo, CRNA, PhD   (1994-95); Linda L. Callahan, CRNA, PhD, PMHNP (1993-94); Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, MS  (1996-97); Christine S. Zambricki, DNAP, CRNA, FAAN (1995-96); Mary Jeanette Mannino, CRNA, JD (1987-88); Dina Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN (2021-22); Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA (2022-23); Cheryl L. Nimmo, DNP, MSHSA, CRNA (2016-17); Larry G. Hornsby, CRNA, BSN (2000-01). Pictured standing left to right: Treasurer Jennifer Banek, MSN, CRNA; President Janet Setnor MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC; Janice J. Izlar, CRNA, DNAP (2012-13); Debra P. Malina, CRNA, DNSc, MBA (2011-12); Sandra M. Maree Ouellette, CRNA, DSc (Hon), FAAN (1988-89); Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA, FAAN (2008-09); Sharon Pearce, CRNA, MSN  (2014-15); Paul W. Santoro, CRNA, MS (2010-11); Jonathan “Dru” Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN (2023-24); Scott Gray, CRNA (1991-92); Kathryn (Kate) Jansky, MHS, CRNA, APRN, USA LTC (ret) (2019-20); Deborah A. Geisler, CRNA, MHSA (2001-02); Vice President Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA; and President-elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA.  

Get Involved 

Your voice and participation are vital to our advocacy efforts. Visit the CRNAdvocacy Action Center  today to get involved and drive meaningful change for nurse anesthesia and patient care! This go-to hub for advocacy offers CRNAs, RRNAs, and our supporters an easy way to stay informed, connect with lawmakers, and act on key healthcare issues.  

Thank you for your continued commitment to AANA and our shared mission.  

Sincerely, 

The AANA Board of Directors 

Questions for the AANA Board of Directors 

If you have general questions for the Board of Directors, please reach out to them at: Board-of-Directors@aana.com 

 
To avoid multiple responses, the AANA Vice President will triage these inquiries and reply on behalf of the Board.

IN THIS ISSUE

• AANA Strongly Supports Legislation to Ensure Timely, High-Quality Anesthesia Care for Veterans 

• AANA Responds to ASA’s Amicus Curiae Brief 

• Over 260 Healthcare and Community Organizations Support Removing Barriers to APRNs 

• AANA Attends Governor Meetings 

• President Setnor Testifies in Support of Florida Full Practice Authority Legislation 

• AANA Foundation Announces Young (John) Yauger as New CEO 

• Candidate Forums & Bylaws Hearing 

• COA Seeks Nominations for Director Openings: Apply by April 18, 2025 

• AANA Journal Welcomes New Editor-in-Chief 

• CRNA Saves Life Mid-Flight, Earns Recognition From TV Talk Show Host 

ADVOCACY UPDATES

AANA Strongly Supports Legislation to Ensure Timely, High-Quality Anesthesia Care for Veterans

On March 18, U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025 to secure the ability of veterans to access high quality anesthesia care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Read more.  

AANA Responds to ASA’s Amicus Curiae Brief 

AANA filed its response to ASA’s motion seeking leave to file an unrequested amicus curiae brief. An amicus curiae brief is a written submission typically by an organization not a party to a case.   

AANA’s complaint seeks to compel the government to fulfill its duties to enforce the provider nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). AANA members are facing discrimination from insurers and health plans based solely upon their license, which violates ACA.  Meanwhile, the ASA submitted a brief that does nothing to advance the ongoing litigation and current issues before the court. Read more. 

Over 260 Healthcare and Community Organizations Support Removing Barriers to APRNs

The United States healthcare system is facing challenges, including healthcare workforce shortages and expanding costs. A powerful solution is the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, which will remove practice barriers for APRNs, including CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, by allowing them to provide more comprehensive healthcare services to patients across the country. 

Along with AANA, more than 260 healthcare and community organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Association, are calling on Congress to pass this important legislation. The ICAN Act follows recommendations from a wide range of nonpartisan healthcare groups, including the National Rural Health Association and AARP. Read more. 

AANA Attends Governor Meetings

On March 17, AANA State Government Affairs staff attended a reception for the Republican Governor Association (RGA) in Washington, DC. SGA staff met with staff of several governors and used the opportunity to educate them on CRNA practice, including the need to fully utilize a state’s existing workforce. In June, SGA staff will be attending the Democratic Governors Association Spring Policy Conference in Portland. These meetings help the AANA to continue advocating for CRNA practice in the states. 

President Setnor Testifies in Support of Florida Full Practice Authority Legislation

On March 5, AANA President Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC , testified before the Florida Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee in support of Florida HB 649, which proposes full practice authority for CRNAs in Florida.  President Setnor testified regarding the education and qualifications of CRNAs to provide anesthesia services without unnecessary barriers to practice.   

SIGNIFICANT NEWS

AANA Foundation Announces Young (John) Yauger as New CEO

The AANA Foundation has named Young (John) Yauger, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2025.  Yauger brings his extensive experience in the military, academia, and research to the charitable organization. He recently retired from the US Army after a rewarding 25 years of active military service. Read more. 

Candidate Forums & Bylaws Hearing

Engage with the candidates running for AANA leadership positions during the upcoming Virtual Forums: 

• April 16, 2025 – 6-7:30 pm CT: Board of Director Candidates. 

• April 17, 2025 – 6-7:30 pm CT: Elected Committee Candidates – Leadership Identification and Bylaws & Resolutions Committees 
  
  

Submit your questions in advance here by March 31, and register now for both sessions here. 

At the virtual Bylaws Hearing, on Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. CT you will have the opportunity to learn about proposed amendments to the AANA Bylaws. Your input is invaluable in shaping the policies that govern our organization. The session will be recorded and posted for members who cannot attend the live session. Register here.   

If you are part of a group proposing a bylaw amendment or resolution please reach out to mscheuermann@aana.com for assistance. The deadline for submission of a proposed bylaw amendment or resolution for the B&R Hearing is Monday, April 20, 5 p.m. CT.  

COA Seeks Nominations for Director Openings: Apply by April 18, 2025

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) is seeking nominations for a CRNA Practitioner and Public Director.  Candidates must be available to attend three-day COA meetings, held in January, May, and October, in addition to an orientation meeting on October 20, 2025.  The January meetings will be held in a virtual format. The May and October meetings will be held in Rosemont, IL. The term of office is three years, beginning Fall 2025 through Fall 2028. Elections will be held at the COA’s Spring 2025 meeting. The individual appointed would be eligible for reelection for an additional three-year term. COA directors are reimbursed for meeting expenses. The deadline to apply is April 18, 2025. For position criteria and application requirements, please visit https://www.coacrna.org/opening-for-new-coa-director/.  

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

AANA Journal Welcomes New Editor-in-Chief

AANA is pleased to announcement that Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN, is editor-in-chief of the AANA Journal, a role he started in February. Aroke has co-authored nearly 70 published manuscripts and has served as a manuscript reviewer for numerous anesthesia, pain, and nursing journals. He is also an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  

CRNA Saves Life Mid-Flight, Earns Recognition From TV Talk Show Host

Ulysses Johnson, III, PhD(c), MSN, CRNA, was returning home to New York from a Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia event in Chicago a few summers ago. When he boarded the flight, he never could have imagined what would happen next. Read on to learn about how Johnson saved the life of one passenger and gained the attention another passenger—TV talk show host Sherri Shepherd. 

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