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During National Nurses Week, AANA and others are honoring and recognizing the vital contributions of nursing professionals. Nurses have been at the forefront of healthcare during the pandemic, providing the highest quality care. However, there are some regulatory changes occurring at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11 that might adversely impact patients’ access to that high quality of care overnight.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will honor the New Mexico Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NMANA) with the Excellence in State Government Relations Advocacy Award at its Mid-Year Assembly, held in Washington, D.C., April 29 – May 3.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will recognize U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) as the winner of its National Health Leadership Award for 2023 at its Mid-Year Assembly, to be held in Washington, D.C., April 29-May 3.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will recognize U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie (R-KY) as the winner of its National Health Leadership Award for 2023 at its Mid-Year Assembly, to be held in Washington, D.C., April 29-May 3.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will honor Kris Rohde, CRNA, with the 2023 Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award during the AANA Mid-Year Assembly, held April 29-May 3, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Rohde, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a staff CRNA at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.

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The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act (HR 2713) was reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Ann Kuster (D-NH) on April 19. If passed, the ICAN Act would remove practice barriers for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by allowing them to provide more comprehensive healthcare services to patients across the country.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently announced that it has selected 58 distinguished leaders in the profession of nurse anesthesiology as candidates to be inducted into its 2023 Class of Fellows. The inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions to the profession at the AANA Annual Congress, taking place on Aug. 18-22 in Seattle, Washington.

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April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reminds the public that the best prevention of oral health is early detection. Also, of critical importance is ensuring patients have access to safe anesthesia care when treatments including surgery are used for oral cancer.

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To help ensure that all obstetric patients receive high-quality, safe analgesia and anesthesia care during labor and delivery, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has published its updated Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Obstetric Patient practice guidelines. This comprehensive revision is designed to provide evidence-based practice recommendations and close equity gaps in obstetric pain management and anesthesia care.

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Last week, U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) reintroduced the “Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act” (H.R. 833). Along with providing enhanced payments to rural healthcare providers to help ensure the viability of these important local healthcare facilities, this legislation also includes a provision to permanently remove physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), under Medicare Part A conditions of participation and a provision to include non-medically directed CRNA services as a mandatory benefit under the Medicaid program.

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Rosemont, Ill. (AANA) – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reminds parents of the importance of not only knowing how to keep your child’s teeth healthy, but also ensuring that they have access to safe dental anesthesia care. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others.

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In honor of National CRNA Week (Jan. 22-28, 2023), members of the U.S. House of Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced a bipartisan House Resolution 55 on the House floor, “Recognizing the roles and the contributions of America's Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public and our nation’s armed forces, for more than 150 years as the first anesthesia providers.”

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has named Ingrida Lusis to serve as AANA’s Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer, effective Jan. 3, 2023. She will report to Chief Advocacy Officer Lorraine Jordan PhD, CRNA, CAE, FAAN.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) applauds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for providing more flexibility and clarity in their updated Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids. The final guidelines include acknowledgment of the role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as pain care providers, how pain care is administered, and the consideration for nonopioid therapies for subacute and chronic pain.

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American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes National Rural Health Day 2022 (NRHD) as an opportunity to honor the community-minded focus of healthcare in rural America. Since 2010, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health set aside the third Thursday of every November to showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers and other stakeholders to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural communities and citizens face.

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November 15, 2022 Rosemont, Ill. (AANA) – Modern Healthcare recently selected the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) as a winner of its 2022 Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards. AANA received the Gold Award for Integrated Campaign of the Year in the Advocacy category for its successful “Providing Arkansas Patients with Access to Quality Anesthesia Care” campaign.

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In observance of Veterans Day, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) honors and thanks the nation’s military veterans for their bravery and service for our country. The AANA also recognizes our military Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are the primary providers of anesthesia care in the U.S. military and often the sole providers of anesthesia in austere environments.

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Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN, president-elect of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), is part of a group of researchers that recently received a $1 million grant to study racial health equity. The grant, awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, positions Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at the forefront of driving national healthcare policy.

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To expand access to safe, high-quality anesthesia services to veterans, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-D) along with 12 Congressional colleagues requested that CRNAs be granted full practice authority permanently across VA facilities.

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Angela R. Mund, DNP, CRNA, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), has been appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee by the Secretary of the VA, Denis McDonough.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes and honors Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and other advanced practice providers during National Advanced Practice Provider Week, September 26-30, 2022.

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The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act (HR 8812) recently introduced by Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH) will help ensure access to healthcare for millions of Americans by removing costly and unnecessary barriers to high-quality healthcare services. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) supports this legislation, which will remove physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and provide access to CRNA services in Medicaid.

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American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) earned a Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in its advocacy category. The Power of Associations Advocacy Award competition recognizes associations that have enhanced an industry or profession’s reputation as a trusted resource for effective policymaking.

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Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and resident of Mount Pleasant, S.C., recently took office as the 2022-2023 president of the 59,000-member American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), headquartered in Rosemont, Ill.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Dan A. Bartlett, CRNA, with the 36th Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented David Herbert with an Honorary Membership during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, CCRN, CHSE, FAANA, with the 43rd Annual Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Jacqueline Bates, DNAP, CRNA, with the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, with the 22nd Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, L.Ac., FAAN, with the Program Director of the Year Award during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Francis Gerbasi, PhD with the Agatha Hodgins Award during its 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16 in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Brad Shelby, MSN, CRNA, ARNP, with the Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award during the AANA 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Sonya Moore, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, with the Advocate of the Year Award during the AANA 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, with the Rita LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award during the AANA 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation presented Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Jane McCarthy, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, CAPT/USPHS (Ret.), with the John F. Garde Researcher of the Year Award during the AANA 2022 Annual Congress, August 12-16, in Chicago.

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The rapidly changing healthcare industry has created a need for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to develop skills, transform mindsets, or adapt motives and traits to increase their impact—now and into the future. As part of its mission to support the professional advancement of its nearly 60,000 CRNA members, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) released a white paper outlining leadership standards for the CRNA profession.

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Leaders of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) congratulated Shereef Elnahal, MD, on his confirmation as Undersecretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and pledged the AANA’s continued support of the VA to ensure that the nation’s veterans receive timely, expert, quality care.

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Maryland patients now have increased access to safe, affordable care with the enacting of HB55. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) applauds the new law, as it expands the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), granting them the authority to order and prescribe medications, including controlled substances.

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For the holistic patient care they deliver, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes and honors the contributions and perseverance of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and other nursing professionals during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2022.

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Michigan is now the 20th state to opt out from federal regulations that require physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reports that the governors of 19 additional states and Guam have exercised such exemptions.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently announced that it has selected 51 distinguished leaders in the profession of nurse anesthesiology as candidates to be inducted into the 2022 Class of Fellows. The inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions to the profession at the AANA’s Annual Congress, taking place on Aug. 12-16 in Chicago.

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American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has been recognized by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) with a 2022 Gold Circle Award in the Digital Content category. The Gold Circle Awards competition is the premier association marketing, membership, and communications award program that recognizes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications campaigns and activities.

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Alabama patients now have increased access to safe, affordable care with the signing today of HB 268 by Governor Kay Ivey. The law provides that, in addition to physicians and dentists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) may provide anesthesia care under the direction of or in coordination with a physician, podiatrist, or dentist.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Board of Directors has appointed William “Bill” Bruce, MBA, CAE, to serve as AANA’s Chief Executive Officer, effective June 27, 2022.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will honor the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) with the Excellence in State Government Relations Advocacy Award at its Mid-Year Assembly to be held in Washington, D.C., April 2-6.

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Dr. Dina Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) issued the following statement in response to a verdict of a former nurse found guilty in an accidental injection death of a patient.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will recognize Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) as the winner of its Health Leadership Award for 2022 at its Mid-Year Assembly, to be held in Washington, D.C., April 2-6.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will recognize Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) as the winner of its Health Leadership Award for 2022 at its Mid-Year Assembly, to be held in Washington, D.C., April 2-6.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) commends President Biden for signing the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act” (H.R. 1667), which promotes behavioral health and well-being among healthcare professionals. The bill is named after an emergency room physician who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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ring a hearing on VA Healthcare workforce issues on March 17 in the House Committee on Veterans Affairs (VA), Committee member Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Congress to address workforce shortages in the VA healthcare system by allowing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to practice at the full scope of their licensure and education.