CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

97

CHAPTER 40

Statutes of 2026

Introduced by Assembly Member Hadwick

February 19, 2026

Relative to certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Fiscal committee: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

This measure would commend certified registered nurse anesthetists for their expertise, dedication, and service to the people of California, acknowledge their essential role in ensuring access to high-quality anesthesia and perioperative care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and celebrate National CRNA Week 2026.

WHEREAS, Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained, advanced practice registered nurses specializing in anesthesiology who provide expert care to patients before, during, and after surgical, obstetrical, trauma, and procedural services across the continuum of care; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs are integral to California’s health care system, delivering safe, cost-effective, and accessible anesthesia and pain management services in urban centers, rural hospitals, critical access facilities, military settings, and underserved communities throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, In many rural and medically underserved areas, CRNAs serve as the primary or sole anesthesia professionals, making it possible for hospitals and surgical facilities to maintain essential services, such as emergency surgery, obstetrical care, trauma response, and procedural access close to home; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs have completed rigorous academic and clinical training, including advanced education in pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology, and anesthesia practice, preparing them to practice independently and collaboratively in diverse and resource-limited health care environments; and

WHEREAS, The presence of CRNAs in rural hospitals and community-based facilities strengthens health care workforce stability, reduces service closures, and supports local economies by enabling facilities to recruit and retain skilled clinicians while controlling costs; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs contribute to improved patient outcomes by providing timely, evidence-based anesthesia and perioperative care, reducing delays in treatment, and ensuring continuity of care for patients who might otherwise be required to travel long distances for essential services; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs demonstrate leadership in clinical practice, education, health care delivery innovation, and policy advocacy, helping to address California’s evolving health care access challenges and advancing equitable care for all populations; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs utilize innovative nonopioid pain management strategies, such as multimodal anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, regional anesthesia, and the use of nonopioid medications like acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs (or, NSAIDs), and adjunctive therapies, to effectively control pain while avoiding opioid-related complications; and

WHEREAS, The week of January 18–24, 2026, has been designated as National CRNA Week to celebrate and recognize the vital contributions of certified registered nurse anesthetists to the health and well-being of Californians; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commends certified registered nurse anesthetists for their expertise, dedication, and service to the people of California, acknowledges their essential role in ensuring access to high-quality anesthesia and perioperative care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and joins in celebrating National CRNA Week 2026; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.