The General Assembly is considering legislation that would create and license anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) for the first time in Pennsylvania. The measures do nothing to enhance patient care or make health care more accessible, and actually increase the cost of care while severely limiting the practice of highly skilled certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
Pa. House Committee Holds Informational Meeting on CAA Legislation
VIEW A VIDEO OF THE HEARING HERE:
Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R - 108) has introduced H.B. 1956, legislation that would license anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) for the first time in Pennsylvania. This is bad public policy that will do nothing to enhance patient care or make health care more accessible, but instead will increase the cost of care and severely limit the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
April 25, 2022: The Pa. House Professional Licensure Committee held an informational hearing to learn more about Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs). View/Download Written Testimony:
In the News
Research published in the journal Anesthesiology confirms the quality and safety of anesthesia provided by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) while raising questions about the role and value of anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in patient care. The study, titled “Anesthesia Care Team Composition and Surgical Outcomes,” was funded by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Read more...