Mid-Year Assembly 2026: Key Themes Shaping the Future of Nurse Anesthesiology

Mid-Year Assembly (MYA) 2026 drew a record-breaking audience for the second year in a row, sending a clear message: the nurse anesthesiology community is all in.

Across sessions, conversations, and policy discussions, several core themes emerged that are shaping the future of the profession. These themes reflect both the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesia residents.

Key themes from Mid-Year Assembly 2026

“All In” is more than a theme

Nearly 1,400 AANA members came together in Washington, DC to show us that they’re “all in” on efforts to advocate for healthcare policies that ensure patients have access to the highest-quality anesthesia care. This record breaking participation demonstrates the growing recognition that the future of nurse anesthesiology depends on full engagement from CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesia residents alike.

But being all in means more than just showing up at Mid-Year Assembly. It means understanding the issues, staying engaging in advocacy, and taking responsibility for advancing the profession at every level. This mindset set the tone for the event and is shaping what comes next.

What does being “All In” mean to you?

Advocacy requires knowledge and engagement

One of the clearest themes throughout MYA was the increasing importance of understanding the broader healthcare policy environment.

Not only do CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists have the expertise to provide the highest quality anesthesia and pain management services clinically, but they are uniquely positioned to be expert advisors to policymakers at the state and national levels. No one knows better than CRNAs how outdated regulations and payment policies impact access to care in their communities. Being an engaged and informed advocate has become an essential part of professional life, not an optional one.

Financial pressures are reshaping the landscape

Ongoing financial pressures continue to influence the delivery of anesthesia care.

Changes in reimbursement, evolving payer dynamics, and broader healthcare trends are creating new challenges for providers and health systems alike. These pressures are not occurring in isolation. They are contributing to larger conversations about sustainability, access, and the value of care.

Outdated barriers stand in the way of patient access

Another major theme was the need to reframe long-standing debates around costly and unnecessary Medicare supervision rules.

The data is clear. CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists provide safe, high-quality care across practice models. Yet policy barriers, not clinical limitations, continue to restrict practice. That’s why AANA champions the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, which removes costly and unnecessary barriers in Medicare like physician supervision of CRNAs.

Efforts to remove outdated supervision requirements and modernize regulations are not about changing care delivery. They are about aligning policy with evidence, improving efficiency, and expanding access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Advocacy at all levels of government impacts change

MYA highlighted how critical it is for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and future CRNAs to participate in advocacy at both the state and federal levels.

State-level momentum continues to build, with more proactive legislation addressing scope of practice and reimbursement. At the same time, facility-level policies, payer relationships, and federal engagement all play a role in shaping the practice environment.

This multi-level momentum reinforces the importance of awareness and engagement across the board.

Relationships and storytelling drive impact

Building relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders remains one of the most effective ways to create change. Personal stories, local impact, and consistent follow-up help translate complex policy issues into meaningful conversations.

Advocacy is not a single interaction. It is an ongoing process built on trust, connection, and communication.

The future workforce is top of mind

Workforce sustainability remains a central concern.

As demand for anesthesia services continues to grow, attention is increasingly focused on the pipeline of future CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. Funding for Title VIII nursing workforce programs and ensuring access to robust federal student loans for CRNAs and other advanced practice registered nurses are all parts of the conversation.

Ensuring a strong and sustainable workforce is critical to ensure patients have access to care in the years ahead.

Turning momentum into action

Mid-Year Assembly 2026 highlighted both the strength of the profession and the opportunities ahead.

The themes that emerged point to a profession that is engaged, forward-looking, and prepared to navigate a complex and evolving healthcare landscape.

Hear a special message from Matt Thackston, Senior Director of Congressional Affairs, from the AANA Federal Government Affairs team thanking attendees for their participation and commitment to the profession.

 

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FAQs

What is Mid-Year Assembly?

Mid-Year Assembly, sometimes referred to as MYA, is an annual event that brings together CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesia residents to discuss healthcare policies that impact CRNAs and patients and to meet with their U.S. legislators to advocate for access to care and the future of our profession.

What is the purpose of Mid-Year Assembly?

The purpose of MYA is to educate, connect, and mobilize CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesia residents to engage in advocacy efforts and shape healthcare policy that affects anesthesia practice and patient access to care.

What were the key themes from Mid-Year Assembly 2026?

The main themes included advocacy, policy reform, financial pressures, workforce sustainability, and the importance of professional engagement.

Why is advocacy important for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesia residents?

Advocacy is important because many decisions about reimbursement, regulations, and scope of practice are made outside the clinical setting. CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists must stay involved to protect their ability to provide care.

How can CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists get involved in advocacy?

CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists can get involved by staying informed, participating in professional organizations, building relationships with policymakers, and sharing their experiences to influence decisions. Find up-to-date information and opportunities to engage on federal advocacy opportunities at our CRNAdvocacy.

What is the future outlook for the CRNA workforce?

The demand for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists is expected to grow. Ensuring strong education pathways and workforce development will be key to meeting future healthcare needs.