H.R. No. 73 is a resolution recognizing January 19-25, 2025, as National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week in Texas. This acknowledgment honors the significant contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are advanced practice registered nurses with the authority to make independent decisions regarding anesthesia care. With over 150 years of history, CRNAs were the first healthcare professionals to administer anesthesia and gained direct reimbursement rights from Medicare in 1986. They play a crucial role in providing anesthesia care, particularly in rural areas and for U.S. military personnel, and are equipped to handle the unique healthcare needs of critically ill patients.
The resolution highlights the diverse settings in which CRNAs operate, including hospitals, surgical centers, and various medical offices, delivering specialized and cost-effective anesthesia care to patients of all ages. With more than 4,400 CRNAs practicing in Texas, the resolution expresses gratitude for their dedication to providing safe and compassionate healthcare. The House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature officially adopted this resolution on March 13, 2025, recognizing the essential role CRNAs play in the state's healthcare system.