​The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TxANA) is proud to announce a new chapter in our organizational journey. After thoughtful review and consideration, TxANA has selected Strategic Association Management (SAM) as our new association management partner. SAM is an accredited, Austin-based firm with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive operational and strategic services to associations and nonprofit organizations. With deep experience and a commitment to excellence, SAM is well-positioned to help TxANA enhance its member engagement, programs, and advocacy efforts.

As part of this new partnership, we are excited to introduce Adam McKeivier, CAE, who will serve as TxANA’s new Executive Director and CEO. Adam brings over 13 years of association management experience, including expertise in nonprofit leadership, governance, strategic communications, business development, and member engagement. He earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2017 and is a respected leader within the association management community.

“This partnership with SAM and the appointment of Adam as our Executive Director and CEO reflects our commitment to strategic growth and advancing the nurse anesthesia profession in Texas,” said TxANA President Wendy Odell, DNP, CRNA. “We are excited to welcome Adam and the SAM team and are confident this collaboration will further elevate our mission and member value.”

Adam and the SAM team officially began working with TxANA on June 1 and have already begun supporting the Board, engaging with members, and preparing for the upcoming Annual Convention in Houston this September 19-21.

To contact the TxANA staff team, please continue to email [email protected] or by phone at (512) 495-9004.
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TxANA remains deeply committed to advancing patient safety, supporting the CRNA community, and strengthening our presence at the state and national levels. This new partnership will be instrumental in helping us achieve our strategic goals in the years to come.

​"CRNAs are highly trained anesthesia professionals who safely provide care in various healthcare settings, particularly in rural and underserved communities," said Wendy Odell, DNP, CRNA, President of TxANA. "By removing outdated requirements, Texas can enhance patient access to anesthesia care, reduce healthcare costs, and improve provider efficiency without compromising patient safety."
 
Currently, Texas regulations require physician delegation for CRNAs. Anesthesia services can be delegated to a CRNA by a non-anesthesiologist physician, a physician anesthesiologist, or a dentist anesthesiologist. Oftentimes, the delegating physician has minimal to no training in the administration of anesthesia. These outdated regulations create unnecessary administrative burdens, increase healthcare costs, and lead to healthcare system inefficiencies. Physician delegation does not necessarily contribute to better patient outcomes. Furthermore, extensive evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of independent CRNA care.
 
Texas is facing a critical anesthesia provider shortage. FPA for CRNAs would address the growing demand for anesthesia services. In rural areas, CRNAs are often the sole anesthesia providers. Numerous facilities in Texas currently use a model where CRNAs are the sole anesthesia provider for surgical patients. Removing restrictive legislation and allowing CRNAs to practice to the full extent of their education and training streamlines healthcare delivery and reduces financial burdens on hospital systems, thus supporting the State's evolving healthcare needs.
 
TxANA is committed to supporting policy changes that empower CRNAs to serve their communities without unnecessary restrictions. The association urges Texas lawmakers to take action in support of FPA. Doing so will strengthen the State's healthcare system and ensure every Texan can access timely, high-quality, cost-effective anesthesia care.

​Here are a summary of the changes:

• §164.3: Requires physicians to disclose supervision or delegation to non-physicians in advertising.
• §169.2: Mandates detailed written protocols, exceeding state law requirements.
• §169.27: Demands inclusion of “appropriate care” in written orders, contrary to state law.
• §173.2: Expands supervision requirements for outpatient anesthesia services.
• §177.2: Obligates physicians to post complaint notifications at locations where CRNAs provide care without a physician present.

 
Detailed updates here.