Decisions about who can deliver anesthesia in California are made in Sacramento — not in the operating room. Grassroots is how CRNAs make sure the people in the room have heard from the people doing the work.
Current Action Items
Ask Your Legislators to Cosponsor the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
On April 30, the Department of Education (ED) issued its final rule on student loan caps. Unfortunately, federal unsubsidized student loans for future CRNAs and other APRNs will be capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in aggregate, effective July 1, 2026.
This does not mean the fight is over.
The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, introduced by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), David Joyce (R-OH), and Jack Bergman (R-MI) in the U.S. House and by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in the U.S. Senate, amends the definition of “professional degree” in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include all post-baccalaureate nursing degrees – MSN, DNP, DNAP, and PhD. This bill will help to increase student loan caps for future CRNAs, and we need your help to gain support.
Contact your Legislator Now: https://aana.quorum.us/campaign/163117/
Additional Info
Source : AANA
More ways to make your voice count
The 2025 passage of AB 876 reaffirmed CRNAs’ long-standing authority to deliver anesthesia care independently — a direct result of CRNAs across the state telling their story to the legislators who represent them. That work is never finished. New proposals, budget fights, and regulatory changes surface every session. A legislator who has met a CRNA from their own district votes differently than one who hasn’t. You are that difference.
Pick any or all of the following options, depending how much time you have. Every one of these moves the needle for California’s CRNAs.
Find your representative
Look up your California Assemblymember and State Senator in seconds — then reach them directly.
Show up at an event
Lobby days at the Capitol, AANA Mid-Year Assembly, member Town Halls, and more.
Get advocacy alerts
We’ll text and email you the moment a vote, hearing, or deadline needs your voice. All members automatically receive alerts by email.
Become a Key Contact
Build an ongoing relationship with one legislator as CANA’s trusted CRNA voice in their district.
Three ways to power CANA’s advocacy
Grassroots energy plus resources is what keeps CRNAs at the table. Choose where your support goes.
CANA PAC
Bipartisan political giving that keeps CRNAs at the table where practice decisions are made.
CANA Legal Fund
Defends CRNA practice authority in regulatory and legal challenges across the state.
CANA Foundation
Supports student attendance at advocacy educational programs such as Lobby Day and Mid-Year Assembly.