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Strong professions are built one connection at a time. A hallway conversation, a quick text to a colleague, a "you should really be a member" said by someone who already is. These Workplace Ambassadors have stepped up to be the voice of FAAA inside their own departments and hospitals.

The CAAs already on board

We're proud to recognize the Ambassadors who have signed up so far:

• Emily Heffinger, CAA — Nemours / Wolfson Children's
• Jessica Stillman, CAA — Holy Cross Hospital
• Michael Mingione, CAA — South University
• Shane McDonald, CAA — NSU Florida
• Lindsay Hawkins, CAA — OHAA
• Mikayla Inegbe, CAA — OHAA
• Kameron Connors, CAA — Orlando Health Anesthesiology, Winnie Palmer Hospital
• Jennifer Donoso, CAA — St. Joseph's Hospital
• Nyree Penn, MHSc, CAA — Envision, Northeast Hospital (HCA)

Thank you. Your willingness to advocate for the profession keeps FAAA strong.

The goal is simple

Bring back 4 lapsed AA members using your personal QR code and your FAAA membership dues for next year are free. Reconnect four colleagues to the Academy and your renewal is on us.

What you earn

• Free dues next year — recruit 4 members and your renewal is covered.
• Special badge & ribbon — wear your Ambassador status proudly at FAAA 2027.
• Featured spotlight — recognized on FAAA's website, newsletter, and social media.
• Branded gear — an exclusive FAAA Ambassador kit, including a scrub hat.

The tools that make it easy

Signing up doesn't add work to your plate. We give you everything you need:

• A custom QR code unique to you, so colleagues can find FAAA in seconds.
• A personal re-join link that makes renewing or rejoining effortless — no hunting around the website.
• A shareable graphic ready to send to your department, post in a break room, or drop into a group chat.

Scan, share, done. The materials do the heavy lifting; you just make the connection.

The 100% Club — get your whole group in

This isn't only an individual effort. Groups with 10+ AAs that reach 100% membership unlock:

• 20–30% off Annual Conference registration
• A VIP reception
• The group Ambassador attends free

Rally your department, hit 100%, and everyone wins.

Become an Ambassador

If you've ever wished more of your coworkers were members, this is your chance to do something about it — and get your dues covered while you're at it. Sign up, get your kit, and help us build the most connected CAA community in the country.

Become a Workplace Ambassador →

West Palm Beach, Fla. | June 12-14, 2026

The Florida Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (FAAA) was proud to participate in the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists (FSA) Annual Meeting held June 12-14 at The Breakers in West Palm Beach. Throughout the meeting, FAAA leaders strengthened relationships with anesthesiology leaders from across the state, advanced key legislative priorities, and promoted opportunities for greater collaboration between anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants in support of physician-led anesthesia care.

FAAA Delegation Represents the Academy

Representing the Academy at the meeting were:

• Bailey Hocking, CAA – President
• Shane McDonald, CAA – President-elect
• Elizabeth Carter, CAA – Treasurer
• Eddie Bolanos, CAA – Secretary
• Heather Schenck, CAA – Immediate Past-President
• Michael Mingione, CAA – Board Member
• Michael Battaglia, CAE – Executive Director
• Amanda Stimart – Meetings Director
• Tim Stapleton – Legislative and Grassroots Consultant

The FAAA delegation actively participated throughout the Annual Meeting as exhibitors, advocates, and ambassadors for the anesthesiologist assistant profession. In addition to engaging with attendees at the FAAA exhibit booth, Academy leaders attended educational sessions, met with FSA leadership to discuss the provisional licensure initiative, delivered the FAAA report to the FSA Board of Directors, promoted physician membership opportunities within FAAA, encouraged support for the FAAA PAC, and explored future opportunities for anesthesiologists to participate in FAAA educational programming and CME activities.

FAAA leaders also had the opportunity to meet with former Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (below), who attended the Annual Meeting to receive the FSA Lifetime Achievement Award. The interaction provided an opportunity to discuss the important role anesthesiologist assistants play in Florida's healthcare workforce and to reinforce FAAA's commitment to advancing physician-led anesthesia care throughout the state.

Their presence reinforced FAAA's commitment to strengthening partnerships with organized medicine, engaging policymakers, advancing physician-led anesthesia care, and ensuring a strong future for the Anesthesia Care Team model in Florida.

FAAA Exhibits and Promotes Member Engagement

As an exhibitor, FAAA connected with anesthesiologists, residents, medical students, industry partners, and healthcare leaders from across Florida. The Academy's exhibit booth served as a hub for discussions about workforce development, legislative advocacy, professional engagement, and the continued growth of the anesthesiologist assistant profession.

FAAA leaders also promoted physician membership opportunities within the Academy, highlighting the value of stronger physician-CAA collaboration and expanded engagement in FAAA initiatives. Attendees were encouraged to become involved with the Academy's educational, advocacy, and professional development efforts.

FAAA Report Delivered to FSA Board of Directors

During the FSA Board of Directors meeting, FAAA President Bailey Hocking delivered the Academy's annual report, providing updates on membership growth, conference success, legislative advocacy, grassroots engagement, and the continued development of the FAAA Political Action Committee (PAC).

The report highlighted that FAAA membership has surpassed 1,000 members, reflecting continued growth across students, future AAs, and practicing CAAs throughout Florida. The Academy also shared updates on its successful annual conference, expanding member benefits, and ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships throughout organized medicine.

FAAA was honored to be included on the official FSA Board agenda and appreciates the opportunity to provide an update on the Academy's accomplishments and priorities.

Advancing the Provisional Licensure Initiative

A major focus of the meeting was the continued advancement of Florida's provisional licensure initiative for anesthesiologist assistants. FAAA leaders met with FSA leadership to discuss strategies for moving the proposal forward during future legislative sessions.

While the legislation did not advance during the 2026 Session, both organizations remain committed to pursuing solutions that help retain newly graduated AAs in Florida and strengthen the state's anesthesia workforce. These productive discussions reaffirmed the strong partnership between FAAA and FSA and established a foundation for continued collaboration in the months ahead.

Building Relationships with State Leaders

In addition to meetings with anesthesiology leaders, FAAA representatives were pleased to connect with former Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo during the Annual Meeting. Passidomo was recognized by the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her longstanding support for healthcare and public service.

The opportunity to engage directly with one of Florida's most respected legislative leaders underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships with policymakers as FAAA continues its advocacy efforts on behalf of anesthesiologist assistants and the patients they serve. These conversations help raise awareness of the profession's contributions to Florida's healthcare workforce and support ongoing efforts to advance policies that strengthen access to high-quality, physician-led anesthesia care.

Growing Support for the FAAA PAC

Throughout the meeting, FAAA leaders encouraged members and supporters to contribute to the FAAA Political Action Committee. Political engagement remains essential to protecting and advancing the profession, supporting the Anesthesia Care Team model, and ensuring policymakers understand the critical role anesthesiologist assistants play in delivering high-quality patient care.

The Academy shared updates on the PAC's successful first year and encouraged continued participation from members and physician supporters who want to help strengthen FAAA's advocacy efforts in Tallahassee. The PAC continues to play a vital role in supporting pro-Anesthesia Care Team policies and candidates throughout Florida.

Expanding Educational Opportunities

FAAA also met with anesthesiology leaders to discuss future educational collaborations. Conversations included opportunities for anesthesiologists to participate in upcoming FAAA conferences and educational programs by delivering Continuing Medical Education (CME) lectures and sharing clinical expertise with Academy members.

These discussions reflect FAAA's commitment to providing high-quality educational programming while fostering stronger professional relationships between anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants through shared learning and professional development.

Highlighting the Impact of CAAs in Florida

The meeting also provided an opportunity to share recent educational resources that highlight the value of anesthesiologist assistants within Florida's healthcare workforce. FAAA leaders encouraged attendees to review the Florida Medical Association article, "CAAs in Florida: 20 Years of Supporting Physician-Led Perioperative Care," which outlines the profession's contributions to patient care, workforce development, and the continued success of the Anesthesia Care Team model in Florida.

Read the article here:

https://www.flmedical.org/florida/Florida_Public/News/2026/CAAs_in_Florida_20_Years_of_Supporting_Physician-Led_Perioperative_Care.aspx

Looking Ahead

FAAA extends its appreciation to the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists for its continued partnership and collaboration. As the Academy continues to grow, FAAA remains committed to advancing legislative priorities, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening physician engagement, and supporting policies that ensure safe, physician-led anesthesia care for patients throughout Florida.

The Academy looks forward to building on the momentum generated during the 2026 FSA Annual Meeting and continuing its work alongside physician partners to advance the future of anesthesia care in Florida.

By Tim Stapleton | FAAA Legislative and Grassroots Consultant

The 2026 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature adjourned on March 13, 2026. Since then, lawmakers have returned to Tallahassee for a series of special sessions to address unfinished business, including the state budget, congressional redistricting, and property tax reform.

State Budget Approved

From May 12 through May 29, 2026, the Legislature convened in special session and approved a $114.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The budget passed unanimously in the Senate (35-0) and by a vote of 99-6 in the House. The spending plan is currently awaiting action by Governor Ron DeSantis, who retains line-item veto authority before signing the budget into law.

Property Tax Special Session

On May 27, Governor DeSantis called an additional special session during the week of June 1 to consider a constitutional amendment providing property tax relief for Florida homeowners. The proposal, entitled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would immediately increase Florida’s homestead exemption and could ultimately be placed before voters for approval.

Candidate Qualifying Begins June 8

Following completion of the special sessions, attention will shift to the 2026 election cycle. The candidate qualifying period for state legislative offices will occur from noon on June 8 through noon on June 12, 2026.

To qualify for office, candidates must file the required financial disclosure forms, designate a campaign treasurer and depository, submit qualifying fees or petition signatures, and execute a candidate oath affirming their eligibility to hold the office sought.

The qualifying period is one of the most significant milestones of the election cycle because it establishes the final field of candidates and determines which incumbents will face opposition in either the primary or general election.

Under Florida law, if only one candidate qualifies for an office, that candidate is automatically elected and no election is required. As a result, the close of qualifying on June 12 will provide an early indication of which legislative races will be contested, and which incumbents have effectively secured another term.

Primary Election: August 18, 2026

Florida’s primary election will be held on August 18, 2026.

In many legislative districts, the primary election is often the decisive contest. Because numerous districts strongly favor one political party, the eventual winner of the dominant party’s primary is frequently favored to prevail in the general election. Consequently, the primary election will play a critical role in shaping the composition of the Florida Legislature.

General Election: November 3, 2026

The remaining competitive legislative contests will be decided during Florida’s General Election on November 3, 2026.

All 120 seats in the Florida House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with the 20 even-numbered districts in the Florida Senate. Particular attention will be focused on open-seat races, which historically produce some of the most competitive elections because no incumbent is seeking re-election.

Open seats are created when legislators are term-limited, retire, or pursue another elected office. In several instances, House members are leaving their current districts to run for open Senate seats, creating additional vacancies and opportunities for new candidates.

As of June 1, 2026, there are 23 open House seats and 8 open Senate seats. These numbers may change following the conclusion of candidate qualifying on June 12.

Organizational Session and the 2027 Legislature

Following the general election, newly elected and returning legislators will convene in Tallahassee for the 2027 Organizational Session on November 17, 2026. During this constitutionally required session, members will be sworn into office, legislative leadership will be formally elected, and preparations will begin for the 2027 Regular Session.

Key Dates

June 8–12, 2026

Candidate Qualifying Period for Federal, State, Legislative, County, and Special District Offices

August 18, 2026

Primary Election

November 3, 2026

General Election

November 17, 2026 

Organizational Session of the Florida Legislature

December 2026 – February 2027

Interim Legislative Committee Meetings (dates to be announced)

March 2, 2027

Opening Day of the 2027 Regular Session

April 30, 2027

Scheduled Adjournment of the 2027 Regular Session

By Bailey Hocking, CAA | FAAA President (2026-27)

Advocacy isn't just for seasoned professionals or leadership boards—it's a core part of protecting and advancing the CAA profession.

Whether you're a student just starting out or a practicing provider, your voice plays a role in shaping the future of anesthesia care and preserving the physician-led model.

Why Advocacy Matters

The field of Anesthesiology is constantly evolving-not just clinically, but legislatively. Scope of practice, licensure, reimbursement, and team-based care models are all influenced by policy decisions. Without active engagement, those decisions can be made without the perspective of CAAs at the table.

Advocacy ensures that patients continue to benefit from safe, high-quality, physician-led anesthesia care-and that CAAs remain an integral part of that model.

Start Where You Are: Students

You don't need years of experience to make an impact. In fact, student voices are often powerful because they represent the future of the profession.

Simple ways to get started:

• Join your state and national organizations like the Florida Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• Stay informed on current legislative efforts affecting CAAs
• Participate in advocacy days or virtual campaigns
• Engage on social media by sharing accurate, professional content
• Connect with mentors who are already involved in advocacy

Building these habits early makes advocacy a natural part of your career-not an afterthought.

Leveling Up: Practicing CAAs

Once you're in practice, your experience adds credibility and influence.

Ways to deepen your involvement:

• Contribute to legislative funds that support CAA-friendly policy efforts
• Stay up to date with your state and national organization memberships.
• Meet with lawmakers to share real-world perspectives on patient care
• Serve on committees within professional organizations
• Write or speak publicly about the value of the anesthesia care team
• Mentor students and encourage their participation

Advocacy doesn't require a massive time commitment-consistent, small actions add up.

Make It Personal

The most effective advocacy comes from real stories. Legislators and stakeholders connect with:

• Patient safety experiences
• Team-based success stories
• How CAAs improve access to care

Sharing your perspective humanizes policy discussions and makes the impact tangible.

Advocacy in the Digital Age

You don't have to be at the capitol to make a difference. Advocacy today includes:

• Writing emails to representatives
• Signing petitions
• Posting educational content
• Engaging in professional discussions online

A thoughtful post or message can reach thousands-and shape perception of the profession.

The Bottom Line

Advocacy is not optional-it's essential. Whether you're a student learning the ropes or a practicing CAA with years of experience, your involvement helps protect your profession and your patients.

Getting started is simple: stay informed, get connected, and take one small step. Then another.