AB 876 (Flora) Passes Out of First Policy Committee Hearing
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Emily Francke, CRNA, President of the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA), issued the following statement in response to the California Assembly Committee on Business and Professions passing AB 876 by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon) on a vote of 15-1:
“We are thankful and encouraged by yesterday’s vote in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee to advance AB 876—a critical step toward protecting timely, high-quality anesthesia care for Californians across 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 communities that depend on them most.
“We are also deeply appreciative of the Committee members and consultants for their tireless advocacy regarding this bill, in addition to the many professional organizations who stood with us today in support. Representatives from the American Nurses Association California, California Behavioral Health Association, California Nurses Association, United Nurses Association of California / Union of Health Care Professionals, Samuel Merritt University, and National University School of Health Professions, including dozens of others, all voiced support for this bill.
“It’s important to underscore that AB 876 is not controversial. It brings long-overdue clarity to existing statutes and reaffirms the vital role of CRNAs in California’s health care system. This bill does not expand scope—it codifies current, safe, and effective practices to prevent future misunderstandings, like the incident that occurred in Modesto last year that led to nearly 1000 surgeries to be cancelled—heavily impacting Medicare and Medi-Cal patients.
“AB 876 ensures that care gaps are closed while maintaining the highest standards of anesthesia care from trained experts. We commend Assemblymember Flora for his leadership and thank the Committee members for recognizing the urgency of this issue. Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to patient safety, workforce stability, and equitable access to care.
“On behalf of CRNAs statewide, we remain focused on protecting patient access, preventing unnecessary disruptions, and delivering the safe, effective anesthesia services Californians deserve.”
AB 876 now advances to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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.
