So You Want to be a California Dreamin' Anesthesiologist Assistant? (But Will They Let You?)
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, and... a surprising lack of certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) freely practicing? Wait, what? Hold on to your stethoscopes, folks, because this might sting a little more than a pre-op local anesthetic.
The Golden State... Not So Golden for CAAs?
Yep, as of October 2023 (and let's be honest, probably even right now in April 2024), California doesn't have the green light for CAAs. That means if you're a certified anesthesiologist assistant with dreams of working on the set of Baywatch (okay, maybe not that specific dream), you'll have to put those dreams on hold. For now.
But don't despair! There's always room for a little California Dreamin', and the tides might just be turning.
A glimmer of hope (and propofol?) on the horizon
The American Society of Anesthesiologist Assistants (ASAA) is working hard to advocate for CAA practice in California. Imagine all those surfers and movie stars getting their wisdom teeth out with the help of a skilled CAA! The possibilities are endless (and slightly terrifying... wisdom teeth removal is no walk on the beach).
Here's the thing: there are plenty of other amazing states out there with wide-open arms (and operating rooms) for CAAs. We're talking sunshine, mountains, and the freedom to, you know, actually do your job. Places like Colorado, Georgia, and even, believe it or not, Kansas (with some stipulations) are all welcoming CAAs with open arms.
So, what's the verdict?
Can CAAs work in California in 2024? Not yet. But hey, the future is looking brighter than a patient hooked up to a ring light. Stay tuned, keep up the good fight (and maybe brush up on your surfing skills), and who knows? Maybe one day California will be the perfect place to be a California Dreamin' Anesthesiologist Assistant.