Ohio Nurse Anesthetists Win National Advocacy Award After Legislative Wins
Event summary
- AANA honors OSANA with Excellence in State Government Relations Advocacy Award on April 24, 2026.
- OSANA's advocacy since 2018 led to Ohio passing nondiscrimination language for insurer reimbursement and modernizing anesthesia statutes via House Bill 52.
- Ohio became first state to elect a CRNA (Kellie Deeter) to its legislature with OSANA's support.
The big picture
This recognition highlights the growing political influence of nurse anesthetists in shaping healthcare policy. The shift from physician supervision to collaborative frameworks reflects broader industry trends toward interdisciplinary care models. With over 58 million anesthetics administered annually by CRNAs, these legislative changes could significantly impact healthcare delivery and reimbursement structures nationwide.
What we're watching
- Policy Influence
- Whether OSANA's model of legislator practice site visits can be replicated in other states to advance CRNA autonomy.
- Regulatory Alignment
- The pace at which other states modernize anesthesia statutes following Ohio's collaborative framework model.
- Professional Representation
- How Kellie Deeter's presence in Ohio legislature affects future CRNA-related legislation and funding.