Can CAAs practice in Washington?
Yes — CAAs are licensed in Washington.
Washington licenses CAAs through the Washington Medical Commission under RCW ch. 18.71D (SB 5184, ch. 362, Laws of 2024, effective June 6, 2024). Implementing rules in WAC ch. 246-921 took effect July 27, 2025 and licensing is operational. The Commission accepts applications requiring an accredited AA program plus current NCCAA certification.
- Legal authority
- RCW ch. 18.71D
- Effective
- 2024
- Supervision
- A licensed anesthesiologist who must be immediately available on-site (in physical proximity allowing direct patient contact; remote/telecommunication supervision prohibited) and who personally participates in the most demanding procedures; maximum 4 anesthesiologist assistants supervised concurrently unless the commission approves an exception (WAC 246-921-165).
- Last verified
- 2026-08-12
Notes
Fully operational: statute effective June 6, 2024; final rules adopted via WSR 25-14-053 (filed June 26, 2025, effective July 27, 2025); WMC application packet live. A practice plan between the CAA and supervising anesthesiologist is required before practice, but supervision arrangements are not filed with the commission. Two-year birthday-cycle renewals. First CAA state in the Pacific Northwest. No active 2025–2026 Washington legislation affecting CAA practice found.