Advocacy
Growing the CAA profession
The Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession is expanding state by state. Here's where CAAs can practice today, the issues that shape the profession, and how to get involved.
State practice authorization
CAAs are authorized to practice in 23 states plus Washington, D.C. (and at every VA facility nationwide) — some through licensure, some through physician-delegatory authority. The number keeps growing: Tennessee's authorization took effect January 1, 2026. Each new state is a campaign led by the AAAA and local AA societies.
- 23 + D.C.
- Jurisdictions Authorized
- All VA
- Facilities Nationwide
- Care team
- Practice Model
- Growing
- Each Legislative Session
Where CAAs practice today
The 23 states plus D.C. where CAAs are currently authorized (via licensure or delegatory authority):
Authorization type and scope vary by state. Always confirm the current roster with the AAAA before making decisions — this list changes as new legislation takes effect.
The issues
The central CAA advocacy front: expanding the states where CAAs can be licensed or practice under delegatory authority. Each new state opens jobs and improves anesthesia access. The AAAA and state AA societies lead these campaigns.
AAAA Advocacy →CAAs practice exclusively within the physician-led anesthesia care team, always under the direction of a supervising anesthesiologist. Advocacy centers on recognizing CAAs as a proven, safe extension of that team.
ASA on CAAs →CAAs expand anesthesia capacity where it's short. Advocacy highlights the workforce role CAAs play in keeping ORs staffed and surgeries on schedule, especially as demand outpaces provider supply.
Workforce Data →CAAs are recognized Medicare providers when billing within the care team. Ongoing advocacy protects and clarifies reimbursement so CAAs are paid equitably for the anesthesia care they deliver.
CMS Policy →As the profession grows, advocacy defends the CAA title and a consistent, well-defined scope of practice across states so patients and employers know exactly what a CAA is trained to do.
AAAA Resources →More accredited programs and more clinical sites mean more CAAs. Advocacy supports program expansion and funding to close the gap between open positions and available graduates.
Accredited Programs →Get involved
The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants is the national professional body — membership, advocacy toolkits, and the state-by-state practice roster.
AAAA →State-level societies drive the licensure campaigns that open new markets. Getting involved locally is where new states are won.
Find your state →Even as an applicant or student you can help — sharing accurate information about what CAAs do is part of how the profession grows.
What is a CAA? →Start your CAA path
Score your candidacy, track prerequisites, and find the programs in states where CAAs practice — free to start.
Practice-authorization details are summarized from AAAA and ASA sources and change as legislation takes effect; this page is informational, not legal advice. Confirm current state status with the AAAA.