The life-saving work performed by CRNA’s during the pandemic and the game-changing impact of UltraCare’s innovative COVID-19 Emergency Response and Vaccine Teams was highlighted in the most recent segment of the educational television show "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid."

The segment “Med-Tech Series: Managing & Administering the COVID-19 Vaccine” tells the story of how UltraCare quickly developed and deployed teams of CRNAs and other medical professionals from around the country to fill critical care gaps in hospital ICUs and to provide life protecting vaccinations to more than 200,000 seniors at elder care facilities in several states.

• Pharmaco-Who? Pharmacogenomics in Anesthesia Care & Preoperative risk stratification: What do we need to know now? with Dru Riddle, Texas Christian University, Associate Professor of Professional Practice, School of Nurse Anesthesia. North Star Anesthesia.  Region Director, AANA PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN 
• Anesthesia Reimbursement and Compliance & Cost Effective Analysis - Best Practices with Dr. Juan Quintana, COO, Sleepy Anesthesia Associates, LLC, Past President AANA, DNP, MHS, CRNA
• NYSANA Update to the Membership with Yana Krmic, President, NYSANA, CRNA, MSN
• Effective Member Advocacy to Drive Change with Ralph Kohl, Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs, AANA 
• AANA Update to Membership & Caring for the Parturient with Co-Morbidities with Dina Velocci, President, AANA , DNP, CRNA
• Sleeping with Mary Jane: Cannabis Considerations for the CRNA with Daniel D. King, DNP, CRNA, CPPS

Learn more about the Fall Meeting speakers here!

Advocates say that every day a piece of legislation awaits Governor Cuomo signature, lives could be at risk. Legislation that would allow medical helicopters to carry blood and perform transfusions passed the Senate and Assembly last month but needs Cuomo’s approval to become law. The story of Binghamton resident Travis Flanagan inspired many lawmakers who worked on the bill. Flanagan was in a horrific farming accident in March that lead to both of his legs being amputated. Flanagan, who works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, believes the blood Guthrie Air had on board saved his life. Flanagan has enlisted the assistance of his colleagues in the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists in raising awareness of the issue and lobbying the Governor to sign the legislation.

Meanwhile, Flanagan has been fitted for prosthetic legs with a goal of being able to stand for the birth of his third child who is due on July 15th.

We are pleased to announce the slate of candidates for the 2021/2022 board! The following candidates were announced at the NYSANA Business Meeting on May 15, 2021. Learn more about each candidate here. 

Electronic voting will open on Tuesday, July 6 at 9:00 AM and conclude on Tuesday, July 20.

NYSANA continues to fight for our CRNA’s to get both a license and autonomy in our work. At the height of the pandemic, Governor Cuomo allowed CRNA’s to practice without being supervised by a physician as we performed countless intubations in life and death situations for Covid-19 patients. Now, we want that executive order to be made permanent.  New York State is the only state in the nation that does not recognize the certified registered nurse anesthetist in this way. Check out President, Yana Krmic on CBS6 fighting for our CRNAs https://bit.ly/3iFH0qz

NYSANA President, Yana Krmic was featured on Spectrum News’ Capital Tonight, calling on lawmakers to make permanent the provision approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the pandemic that allowed nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia without the supervision of a physician or a surgeon. Removing the supervision requirement would have a huge impact on patient care and access and ease budgetary pressure for health care workers. Check it out: https://bit.ly/2TVpioR

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) works as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who administers anesthesia to patients, typically during surgical, diagnostic, obstetric or other medical procedures. CRNAs complete advanced nursing degrees either at the master’s or doctoral levels. In addition to their advanced nursing degrees, CRNA candidates must obtain national certification in their field. Here’s a look at the extensive education CRNAs receive.

NYSANA Members:

On the heels of the 2021 National Nurses Week celebration, we again want to say THANK YOU for all that you do.

Please click on the video here that showcases some of our NYSANA member CRNAs in action.

Being a CRNA is extremely rewarding, but can also be incredibly stressful and even traumatic at times. This past year was especially trying. Now more than ever it is time to check your mental health or reach out to a colleague who may be showing signs that they are struggling. Psychologist Dr. Drew Anderson points out things to look for in someone who may be in crisis or on the verge and how you can help.

Watch the Video Here

We cannot be complacent and watch from the sidelines. If we want to make a difference, if we wish to move this association forward, than we have to advocate and let our voices be heard. “Our future as a CRNA depends on you.” That is the message from NYSANA President, Yana Krmic. 

Watch the Video Here

Welcome Molly Metzger, NYSANA’s new executive director. Molly’s objective is to alleviate any operational and administrative duties so that you, the NYSANA member and leaders, can continue to move the association forward. 

Watch the Video Here

NYSANA Lobbyist Amy Kellogg encourages members to contact your local lawmakers and educate them on our important legislative priorities because no one can tell our story better than we can.

Watch the Video Here

Watch NYSANA President Yana Krmic on News12 Westchester's Power & Politics with Scott McGee. Yana explains how CRNA's stepped up to meet the challenges of the pandemic by practicing independently and to the full extent of their education, as authorized by Governor Andrew Cuomo’sexecutive order. The value of CRNAs at this critical time cannot be underestimated. NYSANA is continuing to advocate for legislation in New York state to make these emergency changes permanent.

https://westchester.news12.com/power-and-politics-full-show-for-may-9-2021

Governor Cuomo has extended his Executive Order through April 20, 2021, allowing CRNAs to practice independently under the current State of Emergency as it relates to COVID-19.

View the Tweet

NYSANA Members:

Whether you are new to NYSANA and just starting your career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or have been a member of our association for many years, it is important to stay involved in all NYSANA-led advocacy efforts. Your voice is important in advancing our profession.

That’s why next month we invite you to join a Zoom with our lobbyist, Amy Kellogg to learn more about the importance of advocacy. On April 8 at 7:00 p.m. Amy will present a training session on how to advocate for our profession and get the attention of our public officials. Instructions will be provided during the call. Please try to attend!

Join the Zoom Meeting here:
https://hselaw.zoom.us/j/5215873870?pwd=SFFOUjJTcFp4WU55eloyMEhjamxxdz09
Meeting ID: 521 587 3870 Passcode: 072677

Mid-Year Meeting
The AANA Mid-Year Assembly will be held virtually this year on April 23 - 25, 2021. The educational content will begin April 24. You will build advocacy skills while simultaneously earning 9.5 Class A CE credits and get advice from respected political power players. I encourage you all to register and learn about the latest healthcare policies that are impacting our profession.

Board Appointments
Lastly, I urge you to join me in serving NYSANA at the leadership level. Build your professional circle and network by becoming a NYSANA board member. We will have two director spots, treasurer and vice president positions open for the 2021 - 2022 term. Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested.

NYSANA Members:

I have an important legislative update to share as it relates to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.91, which temporarily waives supervision requirements for CRNAs. The current order is now extended through February 22, 2021. We thank Governor Cuomo again for recognizing CRNAs and the significant contributions we are making on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, we are hard at work on a new bill to bring before our legislators this year that looks to redefine the role of CRNAs as APRNs. We will keep you informed on its status.

What wonderful news to receive during CRNA Week! I thank you for your ongoing advocacy and participation in our legislative efforts. Together, we can advance our profession in New York state.

Sincerely,

Yana Krmic
President, NYSANA

Fellow NYSANA Members:

Happy New Year! I am excited for what’s in store for our association in 2021. We have exciting updates to share as we kick off the year.

Responses from a Member Survey Revealed the Countless Ways CRNAs Across New York Stepped Up During COVID-19 When Governor Cuomo Removed Unnecessary Practice Barriers

Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that government licensing of health professionals blocks access to care. Licensing gives state politicians the final word on allowable categories of clinicians, the education and training requirements for each category, and the range of services each category of clinician may perform. It reduces access to health services by increasing prices and reducing the supply of clinicians who can provide those services. It harms health professionals by preventing them from providing services they are competent to provide and by preventing capable individuals from entering or rising within health professions. By suspending such rules to improve access to care for COVID-19 patients, states have acknowledged that licensing prevents clinicians from providing services they are competent to provide.

Read More