CRNAS ARE THE SOLUTION to high-quality, safe and affordable anesthesia care for New Yorkers. However, New York is the only state in the country that fails to formally recognize the profession of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
THE ISSUE
Despite CRNAs advanced training, superb safety records, and importance in delivering surgical services, CRNAs are not recognized as CRNAs in New York. This has left New York healthcare providers with an antiquated staffing model – one which requires multiple anesthesia providers for even the most routine cases. It is directly responsible for driving up healthcare costs and limiting access for every New Yorker, but does not deliver improved outcomes. That’s bad news for patients, hospitals, and all New Yorkers. Lawmakers in 49 other states have followed the evidence and championed flexible staffing models that allow CRNAs to work to the full extent of their education and training. It just makes sense for New York to do the same.
NYSANA is dedicated to advocating for the future of CRNAs in the state by sponsoring critical legislation to create licensure and a scope of practice for CRNAs in New York. Passing pro-CRNA legislation will allow New York to join the other 49 states and recognize CRNAs in a way that will provide high quality, safe, affordable and accessible care for every New Yorker.
Senate bill S769 is sponsored by Senator Cooney. Assembly Bill number is coming soon. Watch this page for bill details and memos of support.
The following organizations signed on to letters of support for pro-CRNA legislation in 2022. (2023 memos of support coming soon)
American Nurses Association New York (ANA NY)
Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS)
New York Organization of Nurse Executives & Leaders
The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State
New York State Nurses Association
AARP New York
GET THE FACTS ABOUT CRNAS
Download this CRNA Fact Sheet packet and learn more about the following key points, and how and why CRNAs are relied upon to deliver safe, effective, quality care.
CRNAs are described as trusted, skilled, caring, compassionate -- and lifesavers. Read a few stories about the real impact of this profession on the people of New York.
CRNAs deliver anesthesia to patients in exactly the same ways, for the same types of procedures and just as safely as anesthesiologists. CRNAs are highly educated, advanced practice registered nurses.
Surgeons and other healthcare providers rely on CRNAs in virtually every healthcare setting. CRNAs collaborate with surgeons, obstetricians, dentists and other healthcare providers to deliver safe, high-quality and cost-effective anesthesia care to patients
There is overwhelming evidence that CRNAs provide superb anesthesia care. Research shows there is no difference in safety between CRNAs and anesthesiologists. The safety record of CRNAs is demonstrated by recent studies published in leading health policy journals and an independent review by Cochrane, a world-renowned organization that supports evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.
Persistent opioid use after surgery affects millions of Americans and CRNAs are uniquely qualified to address the issue. Through the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, CRNAs are reducing opioid use, improving outcomes, and lowering costs by providing patients holistic pain management services that reduce or eliminate the need for opioids post-surgery.
