The Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists

Founded in 1948, WSSA was formed to advance the science and art of anesthesiology, and to stimulate interest and promote progress in that specialty. It is a Washington State non-profit corporation and is a component society of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. If you'd like to join WSSA, learn more about becoming a member through ASA.

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CAA Rules & Regulations

While the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant bill was passed in 2024, the rules and regulations for CAA licensure are still in progress. In January 2025, the state Medical Commission unanimously approved the draft regulatory language for CAA licensure and agreed to proceed to the next step in the rule making process (CR-102). The rules hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 9, 2025. As part of the process, there will be a five-week public comment period leading up to the hearing. Comments received during this time will need to be addressed at the hearing, with Commissioners determining whether to make changes to the rule based on the feedback, or providing a rationale for maintaining the language as drafted. The goal is to have the rules completed by August. Please reach out to the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) or the Washington chapter, WAAAA, for further information on current rules, regulations, and licensing questions.

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Seattle Anesthesiologist Inaugurated as 2024-2025 President of Washington State Medical Association

Seattle anesthesiologist John Bramhall, MD, PhD, was inaugurated as president of the Washington State Medical Association at its annual House of Delegates meeting on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane. The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students throughout Washington state...read more.

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Governor Inslee Signs Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Bill

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5184, which authorizes certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) licensure in the state. The law, which is the first to introduce the role of CAAs to the Pacific Northwest, will be effective in June 2024. “Gov. Inslee’s action will help Washington ensure there are enough anesthesia health care professionals to keep up with the growing demand for anesthesia services, while ensuring optimal patient safety under the Anesthesia Care Team model of care,” said WSSA President Timothy Clement, M.D. “We’d like to express our gratitude to members of the state legislature who worked tirelessly with WSSA to help advance this bill.”

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