AANA asks Congress to retroactively provide 'fair and equitable hazard pay'

An industry group representing nurse anesthetists is asking Congress to provide financial support that "reflects the serious risk and strain they are under" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an April 14 letter, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists President Kate Jansky, CRNA, and CEO Randall Moore, DNP, CRNA, requested "fair and equitable hazard pay that is available to all healthcare providers retroactive to the beginning of the crisis."

The letter notes that CMS recently granted full practice authority to CRNAs assisting with COVID-19 treatment during the pandemic. It also states that many CRNAs are working without proper personal protective equipment and making other personal sacrifices.

"In many cases, front-line providers are also facing financial burden and strain on their personal lives, opting to stay in hotels to avoid exposing their families — and even going weeks or months without seeing their loved ones," the letter said. "While the CARES Act, signed into law last month, provided valuable support to small businesses and providers during the crisis, CRNAs now call on Congress to go further by incentivizing and properly compensating the front-line healthcare workers who continue to put their lives on the line."

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