U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis Honored with National Health Leadership Award by AANA
On April 26, 2025, during the Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) proudly presented U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (Republican-Wyoming) with the prestigious National Health Leadership Award for the year 2025. Established in 1992, this award honors individuals at the federal level who significantly contribute to shaping national health policies, particularly those related to nursing and anesthesia.
Senator Lummis’s recognition highlights her unwavering support for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are essential in providing affordable and high-quality anesthesia care across various healthcare settings. Introduced by Lummis, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act aims to eliminate regulatory barriers that hinder CRNAs and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from practicing to the fullest extent of their training and education.
After entering the U.S. Senate in 2020, Lummis quickly established herself as a champion for nurse anesthesia policies. Her previous experience includes five terms in the U.S. House, eight years as the Wyoming State Treasurer, and 14 years in the Wyoming state legislature. In addition, she has served as General Counsel to Governor Jim Geringer and as a law clerk at the Wyoming Supreme Court. Lummis's commitment to reducing the federal deficit and improving healthcare access has solidified her reputation as a respected leader within the Republican Caucus.
During her acceptance speech, Senator Lummis emphasized the critical role of nurses in delivering healthcare and expressed pride in sponsoring the ICAN Act.
"Nurses are invaluable leaders who truly understand what it means to care and serve others," Lummis stated. "I am proud to be the lead sponsor of the ICAN Act, which serves to remove barriers for CRNAs and other APRNs. I'm grateful for this recognition and I'm proud to support our nation's nurses in Congress."
Jan Setnor, President of AANA, echoed Lummis's sentiments, praising her ongoing advocacy for CRNAs at both the state and federal levels. She reiterated the importance of this role in ensuring patients receive quality anesthesia care, especially in areas plagued by healthcare disparities.
"Senator Lummis has been a champion of CRNAs, working tirelessly for increased access to anesthesia care for patients," said Setnor. "She understands the essential role CRNAs play in delivering safe and quality anesthesia services, and her leadership on healthcare issues is vital. Regulatory red tape is impeding access, and congressional leaders like Senator Lummis know that care can't wait; it is time to eliminate the red tape."
CRNAs are widely recognized as one of the most trusted professions in America, according to Gallup. They provide anesthesia care in diverse environments, including rural and underserved areas and in combat zones, highlighting their importance in the healthcare landscape.
The AANA’s decision to honor Senator Lummis with the National Health Leadership Award reflects not only her accomplishments but also her commitment to enhancing healthcare access. As Congress grapples with a multitude of health-related issues, Lummis’s legislative efforts serve as a beacon for advocating the professional interests of nurses and the patients they serve. Her recognition is a powerful reminder of the positive impact public service can have on healthcare policy.
By fostering an environment where CRNAs and APRNs can operate efficiently and effectively, Senator Lummis continues to make significant strides in improving the nation's healthcare system. Her dedication to this cause cements her status as a pivotal figure in health policy, ensuring that access to quality anesthesia care remains a priority. The award serves not only as recognition of her past efforts but as an encouragement for continued advocacy that supports the nursing profession and the communities they serve.
Senator Lummis’s recognition highlights her unwavering support for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are essential in providing affordable and high-quality anesthesia care across various healthcare settings. Introduced by Lummis, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act aims to eliminate regulatory barriers that hinder CRNAs and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from practicing to the fullest extent of their training and education.
After entering the U.S. Senate in 2020, Lummis quickly established herself as a champion for nurse anesthesia policies. Her previous experience includes five terms in the U.S. House, eight years as the Wyoming State Treasurer, and 14 years in the Wyoming state legislature. In addition, she has served as General Counsel to Governor Jim Geringer and as a law clerk at the Wyoming Supreme Court. Lummis's commitment to reducing the federal deficit and improving healthcare access has solidified her reputation as a respected leader within the Republican Caucus.
During her acceptance speech, Senator Lummis emphasized the critical role of nurses in delivering healthcare and expressed pride in sponsoring the ICAN Act.
"Nurses are invaluable leaders who truly understand what it means to care and serve others," Lummis stated. "I am proud to be the lead sponsor of the ICAN Act, which serves to remove barriers for CRNAs and other APRNs. I'm grateful for this recognition and I'm proud to support our nation's nurses in Congress."
Jan Setnor, President of AANA, echoed Lummis's sentiments, praising her ongoing advocacy for CRNAs at both the state and federal levels. She reiterated the importance of this role in ensuring patients receive quality anesthesia care, especially in areas plagued by healthcare disparities.
"Senator Lummis has been a champion of CRNAs, working tirelessly for increased access to anesthesia care for patients," said Setnor. "She understands the essential role CRNAs play in delivering safe and quality anesthesia services, and her leadership on healthcare issues is vital. Regulatory red tape is impeding access, and congressional leaders like Senator Lummis know that care can't wait; it is time to eliminate the red tape."
CRNAs are widely recognized as one of the most trusted professions in America, according to Gallup. They provide anesthesia care in diverse environments, including rural and underserved areas and in combat zones, highlighting their importance in the healthcare landscape.
The AANA’s decision to honor Senator Lummis with the National Health Leadership Award reflects not only her accomplishments but also her commitment to enhancing healthcare access. As Congress grapples with a multitude of health-related issues, Lummis’s legislative efforts serve as a beacon for advocating the professional interests of nurses and the patients they serve. Her recognition is a powerful reminder of the positive impact public service can have on healthcare policy.
By fostering an environment where CRNAs and APRNs can operate efficiently and effectively, Senator Lummis continues to make significant strides in improving the nation's healthcare system. Her dedication to this cause cements her status as a pivotal figure in health policy, ensuring that access to quality anesthesia care remains a priority. The award serves not only as recognition of her past efforts but as an encouragement for continued advocacy that supports the nursing profession and the communities they serve.
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