California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Responds to Preliminary Injunction Protecting Advanced Nursing Education
(Sacramento, CA)—Today, Kristen Roman, DNAP, CRNA, President of the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA), issued the following statement in response to the June 24, 2026, court order temporarily blocking the U.S. Education Department’s rule, which was set to go into effect on July 1:
“Wednesday’s ruling was an important step forward for patients, students, and the health care workforce. The U.S. District Court reaffirmed that advanced nursing education is professional education, molding citizens into clinicians that deliver highly specialized, lifesaving care in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, military facilities, and rural communities nationwide.
“While the decision does not change the new federal student loan caps enacted by Congress in H.R. 1 or reinstate the former Grad PLUS loan program, it does prevent the Department of Education from further imposing a restrictive definition that would have created additional financial barriers for students pursuing doctoral nursing education, including nurse anesthesiology.
“It is unfortunate that multiple states and organizations were forced to pursue litigation simply to preserve access to advanced nursing education and uphold a definition that Congress has already established. However, Judge Howell’s ruling recognized the serious concerns surrounding the Department’s ability to narrow a definition established by Congress. While litigation continues, the injunction ensures that students pursuing advanced nursing degrees will not face an additional financial obstacle beyond the loan changes already enacted under federal law.
“Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) complete some of the most rigorous graduate health care education in the country, combining advanced doctoral coursework with thousands of hours of supervised clinical training. In California, CRNAs are essential providers of anesthesia care and, in many rural and underserved communities, are the primary professionals ensuring access to surgical, obstetric, trauma, and emergency services.
“As health care demands grow, policymakers should focus on expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the clinical workforce — not creating barriers that reduce access to care or weaken an already fragile pipeline of highly trained clinicians.
“CANA will continue working with national partners, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure advanced nursing education receives the same recognition afforded to other health care professional degrees, and to protect the future of the nurse anesthesia profession.”
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.
