September 4, 2025
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Emily Francke, CRNA, President of the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA), issued the following statement in response to the California Legislature passing AB 876 (Flora) with strong, bipartisan support:
“We are thankful and encouraged to see AB 876 continue its strong momentum. Throughout this process, California legislators have shown a deep understanding for the need to protect timely, high-quality anesthesia care for residents throughout the state. This bill ensures that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists / Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) can continue practicing to the full extent of their education and training, especially in underserved communities that depend on them most.
“We are also deeply appreciative of the broad coalition of labor organizations, provider associations, hospitals, and academic institutions that have stood with us in support of AB 876. The American Nurses Association California, California Hospital Association, California Nurses Association, California Ambulatory Surgery Association, United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, California Association for Nurse Practitioners, National University School of Health Professions, Kaiser Permanente Nurse Anesthetists Association, and dozens of others have played a vital role in communicating the importance of this measure.
“When signed into law, AB 876 will deliver long-overdue clarity to existing statutes and reaffirm the essential role of CRNAs in California’s health care system. The bill does not expand CRNA scope, but rather codifies current, safe, and effective practices to prevent future misunderstandings.
“By closing care gaps and reinforcing the highest standards of anesthesia safety, AB 876 strengthens patient access, workforce stability, and health care equity. We commend Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon) and Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) for their leadership and commitment to advancing this important legislation.
“On behalf of CRNAs – and Californians – statewide, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the California Legislature. As AB 876 moves to the Governor’s desk, CANA remains focused on protecting patient access, preventing unnecessary disruptions, and delivering the safe, effective anesthesia services Californians deserve.”
About California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA)
CANA represents CRNAs across the state. Since 1931, CANA has provided leadership, advocacy, and education to advance patient safety and support the nurse anesthesia profession. Learn more at www.canainc.org.