ASA Position Statement on AANA Name Change

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is gravely concerned with the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ (AANA) adoption of the new name “American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.” Medical title misappropriation, including AANA’s name change and their blatant encouragement of their members to use the term “nurse anesthesiologist,” confuses patients and creates discord in the care setting, ultimately risking patient safety.

The term “anesthesiologist” has always been used to differentiate physicians trained in the science and study of anesthesiology from non-physicians, including nurse anesthetists.

Additionally, it is an unchallenged ethical principle that every patient must have full knowledge and understanding of the education, training, skills, and experience of the health care professionals providing their care. ASA will continue to protect patients by aggressively challenging AANA’s attempts to threaten clear identification of roles and advance nurse-only care.