AB 876 Signed: California Reaffirms CRNAs’ Independent Practice Authority

(SACRAMENTO, CA) –Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 876 (Flora) into law, reaffirming Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ (CRNAs) essential role in the state’s health care system. The legislation codifies current, safe, and effective practices, ensuring CRNAs can continue delivering high-quality anesthesia care independently, thereby strengthening patient access, workforce stability, and health care equity.

“On behalf of my district and constituents, I’m thrilled Governor Newsom today signed AB 876 into law,” said Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora (R-Ripon). “By clarifying CRNAs’ independent status and reinforcing the highest standards of anesthesia safety, Californians, particularly those living in rural and underserved regions of the state, will experience improved access to timely, high-quality, and cost-effective care.”

AB 876 amended existing statutes within the Nurse Anesthetist Act to clarify CRNAs’ longstanding independent authority in California. The bill protects Californians from unnecessary disruptions in care caused by regulatory uncertainty and ensures all facilities can provide accessible, efficient, and safe anesthesia services.

“We sincerely thank Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Flora for their leadership on this critical legislation,” said Emily Francke, CRNA, President, California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. “We are proud to further our 40-year legacy of delivering safe, effective anesthesia services to all Californians — no matter their zip code.”