The Respiratory Care Board of California's BRN_Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Advisory Committee convened on September 18, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding disciplinary actions against Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). A key focus of the meeting was the presentation of data on disciplinary cases, which revealed a notable trend: CRNAs have maintained a low incidence of disciplinary actions over recent years.

The committee highlighted that, as of 2025, there has only been one reported practice violation among CRNAs, with previous years showing similar low numbers. This data is significant as it suggests a stable and safe practice environment for CRNAs in California. The committee plans to enhance the data presentation by correlating disciplinary actions with the number of licensed CRNAs, allowing for a clearer understanding of trends over time.

During the meeting, committee members discussed the importance of accurately representing disciplinary statistics. They acknowledged that while the current data reflects individual cases, there may be instances of overlap in categories, such as out-of-state discipline and substance use issues. To address this, the committee agreed to consider adding clarifications to the data charts in future presentations.

The meeting also opened the floor for public comments, allowing stakeholders to engage with the committee on these findings. One participant raised a question regarding the interpretation of disciplinary actions, contrasting the committee's findings with perceptions from the medical board that more citations indicate better oversight. The committee clarified that fewer disciplinary actions typically reflect a safer practice environment, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and accountability.

As the committee moves forward, they aim to refine their data reporting methods, ensuring that the public and stakeholders have access to clear and comprehensive information about CRNA practices and disciplinary actions. This initiative underscores the board's dedication to maintaining high standards of care and safety within the nursing profession in California.