November 10, 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

Tomorrow, Nov. 11, is no ordinary holiday for our profession, which has its roots in caring for soldiers and veterans for more than 150 years, often under the most difficult conditions.

November 11 was originally named Armistice Day to commemorate the end of “the war to end all wars." In 1954, it became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars. During World War I, and subsequent wars and conflicts, nurse anesthetists served as the primary anesthesia providers on the front lines, working in field hospitals and mobile units.

Pictured at the head of the operating table, AANA founder Agatha Hodgins served in Neuilly, France, during World War I with Dr. George Crile and others from Cleveland’s Lakeside Hospital. She taught many nurses and other medical personnel to administer nitrous oxide–oxygen anesthesia.

Today, CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists remain the primary anesthesia providers for military personnel on the front lines, Navy ships, and aeromedical evacuation teams around the world.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our currently serving and veteran military CRNA, RRNA, and RN members. We also thank those of you who care for veterans. Serving America’s service members and veterans is a sacred trust for AANA and its members.

Sincerely, 

The AANA Board of Directors

AANA Offices Closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day 

The AANA offices will be closed on Tuesday Nov. 11, 2025, for Veterans Day. Our offices will reopen on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at 8 a.m. (CT). 

Our Help Center has common member requests and answers. 

In This Issue

• Keep Abreast of Developments on the Federal Government Shutdown
  
  
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Announces Policy Aimed at Coercing Facility Providers into Network Contracts
  
  
• 2024 MIPS Targeted Review Period Is Extended
  
  
• Now Open: Fellowship applications and leadership nominations
  
  
• Delegate to the AANA Education Committee Election Nominations

Advocacy Updates 

Keep Abreast of Developments on the Federal Government Shutdown

AANA is monitoring the federal government shutdown situation and will provide updates on the 2025 Federal Executive Actions webpage, including relevant contingency plans and other agency activities. The page also includes a link to AANA’s recent webinar on the shutdown and its potential impact on CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist practice.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Announces Policy Aimed at Coercing Facility Providers into Network Contracts

On Oct. 1, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) issued a policy stating that, “[p]articipating facilities that continue to use nonparticipating care providers who do not have a contract with Anthem and provide services to our members in an inpatient or outpatient facility setting may be subject to corrective measures.” The corrective measures could include an administrative penalty equal to 10% of the allowed amount of the facility’s claim that involves the use of nonparticipating care providers and potential termination from Anthem’s networks.

This policy is intended to force non-participating providers – including CRNAs – into network contracts with Anthem and to discourage non-participating providers from using the federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process established under the No Surprises Act. This policy would have an adverse impact on CRNAs and the facilities in which they provide care, as Anthem would have undue leverage over reimbursement rates for anesthesia services provided by CRNAs and over facilities’ competitive contracting decisions. This new policy is set to go into effect January 1, 2026, in the following states: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin.

AANA is engaging federal policymakers and stakeholders on this issue and will advocate against this Anthem policy. We will provide additional updates as they become available.

2024 MIPS Targeted Review Period Is Extended to November 14

CRNAs who submitted data for the 2024 MIPS performance period are encouraged to review their performance feedback reports and payment adjustments, which go into effect on January 1, 2026.  If you believe there was an error in how your MIPS Final Score was calculated, the deadline to request a targeted review was extended until November 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Sign in to your Quality Payment Program (QPP) account to submit a request. CMS has resources to assist you in navigating your MIPS reports, including the 2024 MIPS Performance Feedback FAQs and the 2024 Targeted Review User Guide.

Significant News

Now Open: Fellowship Applications and Leadership Nominations

Apply to become a 2026 Fellow of the AANA (FAANA)—the profession’s highest recognition of excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy. Applications are due February 2, 2026, 12 p.m. (CT)  Apply to become a 2026 Fellow

Nominations for AANA elected office are also open Nov. 3, 2025–Jan. 15, 2026, offering members the opportunity to lead, influence, and represent their peers at the national level. Submit a leadership nomination 

Delegate to the AANA Education Committee Election Nominations

Help shape the next generation of CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists. The AANA Education Committee is seeking dedicated educators to help shape the future of nurse anesthesia education. Each year, one delegate is elected at EDGE (formerly ADCE) in February to serve a two-year term on the Committee, bringing their experience and passion for education to the national level. If you’re a CRNA who spends at least 50% of your time in didactic and/or clinical instruction, this is your moment to lead, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. For the criteria and information on the Delegate to the Education Committee election and position, please review the Delegate packet. 

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.