Yes on AB 985
What is AB 985?
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).
AB 985 will grow the anesthesia workforce in California:
AB 985 offers an immediate strategy to increase access to safe anesthesia care: There is a shortage in the anesthesia workforce in California and across the country. 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 model to include CAAs.
AB 985 protects patient safety by supporting the physician-led Anesthesia Care Team model: CAAs function as integral members of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT), providing essential support under the direction of an anesthesiologist.
AB 985 provides a new workforce of highly trained providers: CAAs do not replace nurse anesthetists or anesthesiologists but offer another staffing option to immediately increase the anesthesia workforce in California.
AB 985 brings California rules in line with 19 other states and the District of Columbia: 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. They also practice within the Veterans Administration system nationwide, demonstrating their value in a variety of healthcare settings.
AB 985 ensures physician oversight: CAAs work under the direction and supervision of an anesthesiologist, who is a physician. By extending the physician’s reach, CAAs allow anesthesiologists to focus where their medical training is needed most, on complex medical problems and emergencies.
