Michigan currently faces a critical shortage of anesthesia providers, part of a national workforce crisis that directly impacts patient access and surgical capacity.
30% of anesthesiologists are projected to leave the workforce by 2033 — leading an already dangerous shortage to a worrisome cliff — while surgical demand in the U.S. is projected to rise by 8% by 2034 in our most vulnerable population of those 65 years or older.
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are highly trained, master's degree-level anesthesia professionals who have already practiced safely in Michigan for years – always under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist – but the lack of formal state licensure creates barriers to employment and workforce expansion.
The Solution: House Bill 4832 & Senate Bill 428
Establishing licensure for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) in Michigan is essential for maintaining safe, timely, and accessible anesthesia care across our state. Licensing CAAs guarantees a standard of care and public trust. Patients expect and deserve to have licensed anesthesia providers to ensure accountability, professional oversight, and public confidence in their qualifications.
Expanding CAA licensure would help mitigate the effects of increased surgical demand, allowing for CAAs to fill the gaps in staffing shortages and reduce surgical scheduling disruptions. And it will increase Michigan’s ability to attract and retain highly trained anesthesiology professionals offsetting the declining anesthesiology workforce by fostering long-term workforce growth in Michigan’s healthcare system.
These are simple bills - ones that don’t change the scope or way CAAs practice. They only provide licensure.
The House Bill, and companion Senate Bill, doesn’t expand their scope of practice; it expands their ability to contribute to proven, team-based anesthesiology care methods that align with national standards and ensures regulatory oversight.
The bills recognizes CAAs as clinically equivalent to CRNAs when practicing in physician-led care teams, consistent with CMS’s recognition of provider interchangeability. Existing CAAs in Michigan work well with all members of the physician-led care team and this bill won’t disrupt current working models in Michigan.
Benefits of HB 4832 & SB 428
Allows more patients to benefit from physician-directed anesthesia care teams.
Key Facts About CAAs
Maintains strict standards of continuing education to ensure safety.
Maintains access to surgical services in rural areas.
Completes the same pre-medical coursework required for medical school admission.
Reduces ambiguity in authority, protects providers, and enhances patient safety.
Completes the same pre-medical coursework required for medical school admis