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 and our Nation's Armed Forces, for more than 150 years and through multiple public health emergencies and beyond.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1019
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-26T13:44:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1019) aims to recognize the long-standing contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)—advanced practice nurses specialized in anesthesia and pain management—to the U.S. healthcare system. It highlights their role in providing safe, cost-effective care for over 150 years, including during public health emergencies, and promotes awareness during National CRNA Week (January 18–24, 2026).
Key Provisions
- Background on CRNAs' Role: CRNAs are described as the first anesthesia providers in the U.S., administering over 58.5 million anesthetics annually. They are primary providers in rural areas, supporting services like obstetrics, surgery, trauma care, and pain management for underserved populations.
- Practice Settings: CRNAs work in diverse locations, including hospitals, surgical suites, dental/medical offices, ambulatory centers, military facilities, public health services, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers.
- National CRNA Week: The resolution designates this week to celebrate the nation's approximately 69,000 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists, raising public awareness of their work.
- Call to Action: The House thanks CRNAs for their service and encourages patients, hospital leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and others to fully utilize CRNAs' skills and participate in National CRNA Week.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a formal expression of congressional appreciation rather than enacting new policies or mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Healthcare: May increase public awareness of CRNAs' expertise, potentially leading to greater utilization in rural and underserved areas, improving access to anesthesia services without significant cost increases.
- On Government Agencies: Could indirectly support agencies like the VA and military health services by affirming CRNAs' value in federal facilities, though it imposes no new requirements.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic healthcare providers.
- Overall, effects are symbolic, fostering professional recognition without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- CRNAs and Students: Directly honored, with potential for enhanced professional visibility and support.
- Healthcare Providers and Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and rural centers may benefit from encouraged collaboration and full use of CRNAs.
- Patients: Especially in rural, military, and VA settings, who rely on CRNAs for accessible anesthesia care.
- Policymakers and Administrators: Urged to promote CRNAs, influencing future healthcare policies.
- Public: Targeted for awareness during National CRNA Week to appreciate and engage with these professionals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no legal force, avoiding any constitutional challenges related to separation of powers or federal overreach.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express views on national matters, such as healthcare workforce recognition, without infringing on executive or judicial roles.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., by Reps. Schakowsky, Joyce, Tonko, and Bonamici) signals cross-party support for nursing professions. It may bolster advocacy for CRNA autonomy in healthcare debates, such as scope-of-practice rules, but remains non-partisan and focused on appreciation rather than controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-23: Submitted in House
- 2026-01-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- 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 and our Nation’s Armed Forces, for more than 150 years and through multiple public health emergencies and beyond. — issued 2026-01-23 — PDF (2 pages)