"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." — W.B. Yeats
Welcome to the Profession!
With graduation season in full swing, we would like to start this message by congratulating all the recent and soon-to-be nurse anesthesiology graduates. We have treasured meeting many amazing RRNAs at state and national meetings throughout the past year, and we’re excited to see the enthusiasm and dedication you will bring to our profession.
Ask Your Rep to Support the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
On May 4, Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Jack Bergman (R-MI) introduced the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, which amends the definition of “professional degree” in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include all post-baccalaureate nursing degrees: MSN, DNP, DNAP, and PhD. This bill will help to increase student loan caps for future CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists, and we need your help to gain support.
If you haven’t already done so, please use this link and follow the prompts to ask your representative to cosponsor this important legislation. Be sure to share the link with your family and friends.
Bylaws & Resolutions Virtual Hearing This Wednesday
Sign up for the virtual hearing this Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT to learn more about this year’s proposed bylaw amendments and resolutions. This session will offer the opportunity to review the recommended changes, hear additional background and context, and ask questions.
As always, thank you for all that you do for your patients, profession, and community.
Tennessee Moratorium on Out-of-State Program Clinical Placements Exempts Nurse Anesthesia Programs
Help Elect Nurses and Nursing Champions to Office
Are You Registered to Vote?
AANA Approves Updated Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics for CRNAs
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Gould to be Inducted as first CRNA Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine
Advocacy Updates
Keep the MYA Momentum Going
More than 1,300 enthusiastic CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists, RRNAs, and RNs, gathered in Washington, D.C., for a highly successful Mid-Year Assembly.
Attendees learned about critical federal healthcare policy issues impacting CRNAs and patients and prepared to meet with their legislators about critical legislation including the ICAN Act, the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act, Title VIII funding, student loan caps, and more. This culminated in more than 300 meetings on Capitol Hill with legislators representing 48 states.
In this video, Matt Thackston, MPAP, AANA Senior Director, Congressional Affairs, has advice for all members on how to keep the momentum going: stay connected with your legislators; engage in grassroots advocacy; and speak up on the issues that matter.
Tennessee Moratorium on Out-of-State Program Clinical Placements Exempts Nurse Anesthesia Programs
Recently enacted into law, Tennessee SB 2013 establishes a two-year moratorium on out-of-state nursing education programs concerning ability to operate, enroll students, or place students for clinical experiences in the state. The moratorium is intended to give the Board of Nursing an opportunity to develop and implement improved standards and reporting procedures for out-of-state nursing programs. As a result of an amendment put forth by the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists that was included in the final law, the moratorium does not apply to out-of-state nurse anesthesia educational programs that place students in Tennessee for purposes of clinical education or training, as long as the program meets accreditation and other requirements.
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.
Significant News
AANA Approves Updated Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics for CRNAs
At Mid-Year Assembly, the AANA Board of Directors approved comprehensive updates to both the Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and the Code of Ethics for the CRNA. Each revision reflects current evidence, professional standards, and extensive member input.
These updates ensure CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are supported by guidance that reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare and anesthesia practice.
Founded in 1847, the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is now a community of more than 2,000 Fellows from across the country with extraordinary leadership and vision for change in culture with profound impact in respective professional fields. The NYAM advances population health through research, collaboration, and events to address today's most pressing health challenges.
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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