ASA Announces Successful Resolution of its Opposition Against AANA’s ‘Nurse Anesthesiologist’ Trademark Applications

CHICAGO — The American Society of Anesthesiologists announced today that trademark applications filed by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) to register marks incorporating the term “Nurse Anesthesiologist” have been withdrawn following opposition proceedings brought by ASA before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

In June 2024, ASA filed opposition proceedings against two AANA trademark applications, for AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHESIOLOGISTS (Opposition No. 91292357) and AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS AND NURSE ANESTHESIOLOGISTS (Opposition No. 91292329). ASA’s oppositions were based on multiple grounds, including an assertion that the term “Nurse Anesthesiologist” is deceptive when applied to non-physicians and could cause confusion among patients regarding the qualifications of their healthcare professionals.

After nearly two years, AANA filed motions to withdraw its applications on June 29, 2026. This withdrawal means AANA’s applications will be denied with prejudice. The withdrawals represent a decisive victory for ASA and an important milestone in ASA’s ongoing efforts to prevent improper and inaccurate use of medical titles and protect patient access to accurate information about their care teams.

According to ASA President Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA, “ASA filed its oppositions because anesthesiologists are specialized physicians who have completed medical school, residency, and thousands of hours of rigorous training in the medical specialty of anesthesiology. Referring to nurse anesthetists as anesthesiologists is false and misleading and deprives patients of their right to know the qualifications of the professionals providing their medical care.”

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 60,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during, and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about how anesthesiologists help ensure patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment. Follow ASA on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.

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