Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs)
California Needs Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
California faces an anesthesia workforce crisis, a problem exacerbated by increasing demand for surgical procedures, an aging patient and physician population, and the expansion of non-operating room anesthesia (NORA) services.
To address this, California must take a multi-faceted approach—training more anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, incentivizing them to stay in the state, and immediately expanding the physician-led Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model to include Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs).
CSA saw strong momentum this year as AB 985 successfully passed out of the Assembly, which was a major achievement. AB 985, also known as Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act, is Legislation that will increase access to safe anesthesia care in California through the adoption of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs). Although legislative activity is currently paused, CSA remains committed to educating stakeholders and raising awareness about the benefits of CAAs. Their work continues to build critical understanding and support for this important issue.
CAAs are highly trained anesthesia professionals who work under the direct supervision of physician anesthesiologists. Their addition to the workforce will immediately help increase anesthesia workforce capacity and enhance access to safe anesthesia services in hospitals, surgery centers, and physician practices across the state.
CAAs function as integral members of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT), providing essential support under the direction of an anesthesiologist.
CAAs do not replace nurse anesthetists or anesthesiologists but offer another staffing option to immediately increase the anesthesia workforce in California.
CAAs have been practicing in the U.S. for over 50 years and are authorized to work in 19 states plus the District of Columbia. CAAs function like Physician Assistants, and their profession is recognized by the American Medical Association, private health insurance companies, and the federal government through Medicare and the military health system.
There are over 3,400 practicing CAAs who serve as valuable mid-level providers on the Anesthesia Care Team – implementing this model in California would bring the state in line with national best practices, expanding patient access while maintaining strong oversight and safety standards.
