# Plain Language Summary of H. RES. 886

This is a resolution that officially recognizes and thanks Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)—nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients during surgery, childbirth, dental procedures, and other medical situations. The resolution celebrates their work and contributions to American healthcare, particularly highlighting their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution points out that CRNAs have been providing anesthesia care for over 150 years and now administer more than 50 million anesthetics every year. It emphasizes that CRNAs are especially critical in rural areas where they're often the main anesthesia providers, allowing smaller hospitals to offer surgeries, emergency trauma care, and pain management services that might otherwise be unavailable. During the coronavirus pandemic, many CRNAs traveled away from their homes to work in overwhelmed hospitals, using their specialized skills to help critically ill COVID patients who needed breathing tubes and ventilator support.

Importantly, this resolution doesn't change any laws or create new regulations—it's essentially a formal statement of appreciation from Congress. It encourages hospitals, doctors, patients, and policymakers to recognize CRNAs' full value in the healthcare system and to use their skills more widely. The resolution was introduced around National CRNA Week (January 23-29) as a way to raise public awareness about these healthcare professionals and celebrate their contributions to keeping Americans healthy and safe.

Recognizing the roles and the contributions of America's Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public, especially during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Schakowsky, Janice D.

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