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Legislative Update

Governor Polis Signs Proclamation to Honor March 8-14, 2026 Physician Anesthesia Week

Physician Anesthesiologist Week

CSA on Capitol Hill 2025


This month 11 CSA members, including residents, visited Washington D.C. to receive a national briefing from members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists on issues impacting our field, as well as meet with Colorado’s Federal Delegation. We spoke with staff and members from nearly every office and had meaningful and productive conversations about the future of medicine and health care in our state and the country. Major takeaways included:

  • We expressed our sincere concerns about potential Medicaid cuts and what they mean for patients and providers alike, as well as our support for annual inflationary adjustments to Medicare rates.
  • We discussed our concerns that patients continue to have less and less access to physician-led care, and that while all members of our care teams play a critical role, the best outcomes are achieved when a physician anesthesiologist is leading the team. 
  • We believe, just as in any industry, service, or profession, that transparency is key. Patients have a right to know the title, qualifications, and experience levels of their provider.

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The CSA Strongly opposes Governor Polis’ decision to remove physician oversight of anesthesia care.  Read CSA press release and more here

ASA Reports

ASA Advocacy APP

The ASA Advocacy App gives members a powerful platform to engage with the issues that matter most to anesthesiology and patient safety. The Advocacy App is designed to empower members, providing essential features that ensure you stay informed, take action, and influence the decisions that shape the future of the specialty and patient care. Your voice matters, and the App ensures you have the tools to make a significant impact!

ASA Advocacy APP

 

Election Resources

Opt-Out Resources

OPT-OUT Resources

Election Resources

Colorado Secretary of State – Election Information

Project Vote Smart – a non-partisan resource for information on political candidates

Campaign Finance

Federal Election Commission Campaign Finance Disclosure

Colorado Secretary of State’s Campaign Finance Disclosure

Legislative Resources

ASA “Washington Alerts” for Federal Issues

Colorado General Assembly Home Page

2023 End of Session Legislative Report from Aponte & Busam

Report

2023 “Opt-Out” Update

Member Letter from CSA President, Steven Zeichner, MD:

Member Letter

OPT-OUT Resources

2023 Legislative Reception

CSA had a great turn out at our annual legislative reception with approximately 15 legislators!  It was a good mix of both Republicans and Democratic policy makers who attended the event.  Not only legislators enjoyed the discussions but also our physicians. The discussions were Medicaid reimbursement, training of physicians, and various other topics.  Anesthesia residents were recognized at the State Capitol earlier in the day, so the reception proved to be a great finish to the day.  Thanks to all who participated!

CSA President and Residents at Colorado Capitol

CSA President, Dr. Steven Zeichner and Anesthesia Residents at Colorado Capitol.

Celebrating the WINS after the 2021 Legislative Session!

  • Restoration of Medicaid cuts as we were again named in the Governor’s budget to decrease.  In addition we received 2.5% increase overall.  This increase is implemented in July, 2021
  • Worked on the chemical restraint policy which was politically charged and visible.  Our steady clinical input was valuable to the overall success and also gained CSA much political awareness
  • Defeated the PA bill
  • Worked on relationship building with House of Medicine in a very challenging legislative session

Legislative issues and events impact both our practices and our patient’s lives on a daily basis. “CHANGE IS LOCAL” and is the only constant in this time of rapidly evolving legislative actions impacting the health care system in Colorado.

As a professional society advocating not only for our membership, but also for our patients, we must remain constantly vigilant that legislative actions do not compromise patient care, safety and access through poorly crafted legislation. It is incumbent on our membership to actively communicate with both our state and federal representatives to make them aware of the issues that confront the anesthesiology community in Colorado.

The CSA urges you to become educated and involved with the legislative process and actively support your parties and your causes. Resources to get you started are available on this website. It is the intent of the CSA leadership to make you rapidly aware of issues which confront our specialty. The ability to interact and communicate with the CSA leadership is also included in the “Members Only” section.

CSA Small Donor and Committee for Physician Anesthesia Care

Thank you to all who supported the Committee for Physician Anesthesia Care 2022-2024!  We have started a new contribution cycle.  Please contribute in this new cycle and once again see your name on the website as a supporter of the CSA legislative process.

Information Here Donate Now ContributorsPayroll Deduction Form

Nurses Seek an Expanded Role Article

Please click on the link below to read “Nurses Seek an Expanded Role” article, published in the Wall Street Journal.
Nurses Seek an Expanded Role article