# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a resolution that officially recognizes and thanks certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)—the medical professionals who administer anesthesia during surgeries, dental procedures, and other medical treatments. Think of it as Congress passing a formal thank-you note to these healthcare workers. The resolution specifically highlights their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many CRNAs traveled to hospitals across the country to help treat critically ill patients, particularly those needing help with breathing and ventilators.

The resolution emphasizes some key facts about CRNAs to make the case for why they deserve recognition. These nurses have been providing anesthesia care in America for over 150 years and safely administer roughly 49 million anesthetics every year. They're especially crucial in rural areas where they're often the main—or only—anesthesia provider available, which means rural hospitals can offer surgeries, emergency trauma care, and childbirth services that wouldn't otherwise be possible. CRNAs work everywhere anesthesia is needed: hospital operating rooms, dental offices, surgical centers, military bases, and Veterans Affairs facilities.

What does this mean for regular people? Practically speaking, this resolution doesn't change any laws or create new requirements. Instead, it's Congress officially encouraging hospitals, doctors, patients, and policymakers to recognize CRNAs as full-fledged anesthesia providers and to use their skills to the maximum extent possible. The resolution was introduced during National CRNA Week in January 2021, so it's essentially a formal acknowledgment of these professionals' importance to the healthcare system and their heroic efforts during the pandemic.

Recognizing the roles and the contributions of America's certified registered nurse anesthetists and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Joyce, David P.

 <p>This resolution recognizes the service of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), including during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, and encourages participation in National CRNA Week.</p>