Washington State Awards First Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant License

Sarah Brown has made history as the first individual to receive a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) license in Washington state. As the President of the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Ms. Brown's achievement on November 5, 2025, represents the successful culmination of dedicated efforts to amend state laws, paving the way for CAA licensure.

This milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. This partnership has enabled CAAs to bring their specialized services to Washington—services already available to patients in nearly half of the United States.

CAAs are highly trained professionals specializing in quality anesthesia care and advanced patient monitoring techniques. They operate under the medical direction of anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans within the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT).

To become a CAA, individuals must complete a rigorous pre-medical undergraduate education followed by an extensive didactic and clinical graduate program at the master's level. CAAs are fully recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, underscoring their integral role in healthcare.

Learn more about CAAs and their role on the ACT.