Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025

This bill aims to make it easier and faster for veterans to get safe anesthesia care at VA hospitals and clinics. It tells the VA to treat certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) as independent providers, in line with Defense Health Agency standards, so they can deliver care without unnecessary delays. It also sets clear rules for who can provide anesthesia in the VA and how their work is tracked and reported. The bill’s short title is the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025.

Anesthesiologists and CRNAs working for the VA must hold recognized certifications and complete at least 25 hours of hands‑on anesthesia care (not just supervising others). If they don’t meet these requirements, the VA must suspend them from employment. The GAO will publish yearly reports starting one year after the bill becomes law, comparing results and costs for three models of anesthesia care: by an anesthesiologist, by a CRNA with physician supervision, and by a CRNA without supervision.

• Who is affected: Veterans using VA care and VA anesthesia providers (physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs).
• What changes: VA must recognize CRNAs as independent providers consistent with Defense Health Agency standards, require specific certifications, and ensure at least 25 hours of direct patient anesthesia care; noncompliance leads to suspension .
• When: GAO reports begin one year after the law takes effect and continue every year, and they will be made public.