The New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists held a rally at the state Capitol on May 9, pushing for legislation that would recognize certified registered nurse anesthetists as a profession, according to a report from CBS affiliate WRGB.
Despite receiving advanced training, CRNA is not recognized as a profession in New York. In 49 other states, certified registered nurse anesthetists are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training, according to the association's website.
"We are extremely valuable to the state of New York in delivering safe surgical and anesthetic services," association President Sean McGarry, CRNA, told WRGB. "It's about time we have recognition for what it is we've been doing for 150 years. We believe that if 49 other states can figure it out, New York can as well."