Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5184, which authorizes certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) licensure in the state. The law, which is the first to introduce the role of CAAs to the Pacific Northwest, will be effective in June, 2024.
On Friday, Washington joined over 20 states that allow both types of nonphysician anesthetists (nurse anesthetists and CAAs) to practice in the physician-led Anesthesia Care Team. The Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists (WSSA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) applaud this action, which will make CAA services available to Washington patients. CAAs are trained extensively in the delivery of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques. They work exclusively under the medical direction of physician anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans within the Anesthesia Care Team.
All CAAs possess a pre-medical undergraduate education and complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical graduate school program at the master’s degree level. CAAs are fully recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system.
“Gov. Inslee’s action will help Washington ensure there are enough anesthesia health care professionals to keep up the growing demand for anesthesia services, while ensuring optimal patient safety under the Anesthesia Care Team model of care,” said WSSA President Timothy Clement, M.D. “We’d like to express our gratitude to members of the state legislature who worked tirelessly with WSSA to help advance this bill.”
