HAPPY CRNA WEEK!

As we conclude another CRNA Week, it's crucial to acknowledge this significant milestone in our profession's history. California has consistently been at the forefront of critical moments in nurse anesthesia history. 

A landmark legal victory for our profession occurred here. Wilmer Chalmers-Francis, representing the Los Angeles County Medical association sued nurse anesthetist Dagmar Nelson, claiming that anesthesia is the practice of medicine. The California Association of  Nurse Anesthesiologists (CANA) was formed to defend this challenge. The lawsuit was ultimately defeated, establishing a precedent-setting legal victory for nurse anesthetists.

In the 1980’s, Jan Manino, a legendary California CRNA, led the charge at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) to secure direct Medicare reimbursement for nurse anesthesiologists, making us the first advanced practice providers to achieve this distinction.

Moreover, California demonstrated its leadership by becoming the largest state to opt out of the Medicare requirement for physician supervision. This groundbreaking decision, unique among the top nine most populous states, solidified California CRNAs' role as independent practitioners.

California CRNAs continue to lead the way, not just within our state but nationally. In another step as California CRNA trailblazers, we have created one of the largest CRNA union in the state, possibly the country. This opportunity to bargain directly with Kaiser management with the unique leverage of 40,000 other UNAC/UHCP members will impact not just our Kaiser practice but will ripple throughout the state and country. 

As this year’s CRNA week ends, I invite us to reflect on our profession's rich history and embrace the groundbreaking work you have done in forming our union. We have a lot of work in front of us but, if our history is any indication, together we will build a future where nurse anesthesiologists thrive for generations to come.

Peter Sidhu, UNAC/UHCP Executive Vice President shared, "To the CRNAs on the front lines: Your skill, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to patient care are the lifeblood of our healthcare system.  You are the silent force ensuring comfort and safety in moments of vulnerability."  "This Nurse Anesthetist Week, we celebrate not just your expertise, but the profound difference you make in each life you touch.  Keep leading, keep caring, keep inspiring. Your work is invaluable, and you have the full support of our labor movement standing with you."

By: Danny Bell, DNP, CRNA

Bargaining Team Member: Vallejo, Vacaville, Sacramento