Government Relations

Through the years, published research has confirmed again and again the safety, quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). As the professional organization that represents more than 3,400 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) throughout North Carolina, the NCANA is diligent about protecting and advancing the nurse anesthesia profession on behalf of its members and the patients they serve.

One of the keys to NCANA’s advocacy efforts is the Government Relations Committee (GRC), which promotes and advocates for the interests of North Carolina’s CRNAs and SRNAs regarding policies, laws, and regulations that affect the practice of nurse anesthesia. The committee monitors both federal and state legislative developments that may impact nurse anesthetists in either a positive or negative manner. In response to identified issues or proposed legislation, the GRC is charged with the duty to communicate with policymakers at the state level to educate and inform them about the role and quality of CRNAs in the state’s healthcare system.

 ANESTHESIA AND THE CHANGING HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE: CRNAs’ Valuable Role 

CRNA Fact Sheet (Training and Education)

Beyond the Mask: Innovation & Opportunities for CRNAs in Podcasts - Listen to a great podcast, CRNAs & The Legislature, with Patrick J. Ballantine, Sharon Pearce, and Jeremy Stanley here!

An interview with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long by Sharon Pearce, MSN, CRNA (Article)

How can we be prepared for the next healthcare crisis? (Podcast)

2021-2022 NCANA Government Relations Committee 

Co-Chairs - Elena Meadows and Steve Michaux-Smith
Committee Members - Ryan Holton, Marisa Pino-Barreras, Jessica Szydlowski-Pittman, Ken Thompson, Bill Wade 

NCANA Federal Political Director

Ian Hewer, PhD, CRNA

The duties as the NCANA Federal Political Director are as follows:

  • Make appointments for NC CRNAs and SRNAs attending the AANA Mid-Year Assembly to visit with their legislators. Communicate with NC registrants about activities during the assembly.
  • Help AANA PAC with fundraising.
  • Develop a key contact system. These key contacts will communicate with their respective legislators on important CRNA issues.
  • Get CRNAs and SRNAs informed about and involved with the political process and the latest issues affecting CRNA practice as needed at meetings, via emails or through the ANETIC.
  • Update the NCANA Board of Directors on federal legislative issues as they arise.

Tips for Student Liaisons:

  • Be prepared to help communicate with your fellow classmates on legislative issues that may affect nurse anesthetists.
  • Know who your local and federal legislators are.
  • Plan to attend the Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, DC in April. Ask your program director to recommend you for a sponsorship.
  • Encourage your classmates to attend the Mid-Year and be submitted for sponsorship.
  • Enjoy the experience and bring people with you.
  • Submit experiences to the ANETIC Newsletter.
  • Participate in NCANA’s Annual Legislative Day in the Spring in Raleigh.
  • Talk with other NC schools’ student liaisons to brainstorm and share ideas.
  • Get to know the NCANA GRC members.

Legislation & Regulations (Member Login Required)

Access the member side of the website to learn everything you need to know about current and pending legislation and regulations that have an impact on your practice as a nurse anesthetist.

Meet Your NCANA Lobbyists (Member Login Required)

NCANA advocacy efforts are supported by outstanding lobbyists who have worked on behalf of NC’s CRNAs and SRNAs for many years. They know nurse anesthesia legislative and regulatory issues inside and out. Learn more about your team of lobbyists on the member side of the website. 

Updates about HB 149 (Member Login Required)

Anesthesia in NC Dental Offices (Member Login Required)