SCR 12: National CRNA Week.

WHEREAS, Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained, advanced practice registered nurses specializing in anesthesiology that provide expert care to patients before, during, and after surgical, obstetrical, and trauma procedures; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs are integral to California’s healthcare system, offering safe, cost-effective, and accessible anesthesia care in urban centers, rural hospitals, military settings, and underserved communities across the state; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs have completed rigorous academic and clinical training, including advanced education in pharmacology, physiology, and anesthesia practice, which makes them leaders in the field of anesthesiology and vital contributors to California’s healthcare workforce; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs are at the forefront of addressing the opioid epidemic by advancing the use of opioid-free and opioid-sparing anesthesia techniques that reduce patients’ exposure to opioids, minimize the risk of dependence, and contribute to long-term public health solutions; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs utilize innovative nonopioid pain management strategies, such as multimodal anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, regional anesthesia, and the use of nonopioid medications like acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and adjunctive therapies, to effectively control pain while avoiding opioid-related complications; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs are instrumental in educating patients, families, and healthcare teams on the benefits of nonopioid techniques, promoting individualized care plans that prioritize safety, comfort, and recovery; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs collaborate with healthcare providers to implement enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, which emphasize opioid-free or opioid-sparing approaches to improve patient outcomes, reduce postoperative complications, and shorten hospital stays; and

WHEREAS, The expertise of CRNAs in developing and applying these innovative techniques not only addresses the immediate needs of patients but also plays a critical role in reducing the overall societal impact of the opioid crisis; and

WHEREAS, CRNAs demonstrate leadership in healthcare policy, education, research, and clinical practice and advance the standards of anesthesia care while addressing California’s diverse and evolving healthcare needs; and

WHEREAS, The week of January 19–25, 2025, has been designated as National CRNA Week to celebrate and recognize the contributions of CRNAs to the health and well-being of Californians; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commends certified registered nurse anesthetists for their expertise, dedication, and service to the people of California, acknowledges their critical role in promoting opioid-free, opioid-sparing, and nonopioid pain management strategies, and joins in celebrating National CRNA Week 2025; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.