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.