Recognize CRNA Appreciation Week

Assembly Resolution No. 40 BY: M. of A. Paulin MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 20-26, 2019, as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize an official week that is set aside to inform key audiences about the role and value of CRNAs in delivering anesthesia care in today's and tomorrow's United States healthcare system; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 20-26, 2019, as CRNA Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National CRNA Week; and WHEREAS, CRNAs are essential to America's healthcare system; these dedicated health professionals have been providing high-quality, cost-effective anesthesia care for more than 150 years, and have safely administered approximately 43 million anesthetics to patients each year; and WHEREAS, Nurse Anesthetists were the first professional group to provide anesthesia in the United States, and are the oldest recognized group of advanced practice registered nurse specialists; and WHEREAS, These registered nurses have completed a graduate-level educational program in a nationally accredited program of nurse anesthesia, and, after graduation, they are qualified to take the national certifying examination; and WHEREAS, Nurses first provided anesthesia to wounded soldiers during the Civil War; since World War I, nurse anesthetists have been the main provider of anesthesia care to United States military personnel on the front lines; today, these remarkable men and women serve our soldiers in conflicts throughout the Middle East; and WHEREAS, CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America, enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services; in some states, CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100% of the rural hospitals; and WHEREAS, CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered including traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons; ambulatory surgical centers; and United States Military and Public Health Services and Veterans Administration medical facilities; and WHEREAS, Each day, New Yorkers benefit from the caring and skilled attention of these individuals and it is appropriate to recognize the innumerable contributions of CRNAs by designating a special week in their honor; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize these exceptional healthcare professionals for their outstanding contribution in adding to the quality of life in our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 20-26, 2019, as CRNA Week in the State of New York, in recognition of our appreciation of CRNAs, and to celebrate their dedication and professionalism; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and Board Members of the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists.