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.
