California Legislature Recognizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists During CRNA Appreciation Week 2025
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA) today announced that both the California State Senate and Assembly recognized the invaluable contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists / Anesthetists (CRNAs). These resolutions celebrate the critical role CRNAs play in delivering safe, independent, and cost-effective anesthesia care throughout California.
“I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in recognizing the hard work of California’s Nurse Anesthesiologists this week. They are on the front lines of both pain management and our combined opioid and fentanyl crises,” said Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana). “These men and women, like many in the health care field, are true heroes and I’m happy to lead the charge in expressing the Legislature’s appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.”
On January 23, Senator Umberg presented CANA with Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, officially establishing January 19-25, 2025, as CRNA Appreciation Week in California. Similarly, Assemblymember Hadwick and co-author Assemblymember Flora recognized CANA with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 17.
“I am pleased to introduce a resolution to recognize the California Registered Nurse Anesthetists and their important role in medicine. Our underappreciated health care workers are heroes and deserve our gratitude for their unwavering dedication to patient safety,” said Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas).
These legislative recognitions emphasize CRNAs’ essential contributions to the state’s health care system, particularly in expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities and helping address pressing public health challenges like the opioid epidemic.
“Along with many of my legislative colleagues, I am committed to ensuring CRNAs can continue to do what they do best: provide high-quality, safe, and timely anesthesia care throughout California,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon). “We’re proud to recognize CRNAs, particularly during National CRNA Appreciation Week, and their vital role in our state’s health care system.”
The theme for this year’s National CRNA Appreciation Week, “CRNAs: Exceptional Care. Innovative Leaders,” reflects CRNAs’ dedication and commitment to patients for more than 150 years. As advanced practice registered nurses with extensive education and training, CRNAs deliver comprehensive anesthesia care across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, military facilities, and remote areas.
“We’re grateful for Senator Umberg, Assemblymember Hadwick, and the entire California Legislature for recognizing CRNAs’ contributions to public health, patient safety, and health care innovation,” said Emily Francke, CRNA and President of CANA. “By fully utilizing CRNAs’ expertise and supporting our ability to practice independently, California can ensure patient-centered care while better addressing provider shortages and improving access to vital anesthesia and pain management services.”
As California faces a growing demand for accessible, high-quality anesthesia care and opioid-free pain management, CRNAs continue to rise to the challenge with unwavering dedication and innovative solutions. Their critical role in advancing patient safety, increasing access to anesthesia care, and championing public health initiatives cannot be overstated. The legislative recognition of CRNA Appreciation Week underscores the importance of supporting these exceptional professionals as they deliver compassionate, cost-effective, and life-saving care across the state.
