The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has withdrawn trademark applications for two name variations that included "anesthesiologist," following a challenge from physician groups. MD anesthesiologists call it a win for patient transparency, but nurses say they'll keep using the title "nurse anesthesiologist" in practice. Legal experts warn the broader dispute over professional titles is far from resolved.
The dispute over who gets to be called an "anesthesiologist" just hit a new milestone. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has voluntarily withdrawn trademark applications for two name variations — "American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists" and "American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Anesthesiologists" — after the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) challenged them in 2024, arguing the names were "deceptive" since anesthesiologists are, by definition, physicians.
The AANA, which rebranded from its original name in 2021, is keeping its current trademarked name and says the withdrawal changes nothing about how CRNAs practice or what they can call themselves. Nurses can still describe their role as "nurse anesthesiologists" under applicable state law. The ASA's president called the outcome "a big positive win for patients in truth and transparency in medical titles" — and indicated that further legal action hasn't been ruled out.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: This isn't just a branding dispute — it touches on patient safety, informed consent, and the expanding scope of advanced practice nurses across the U.S. How this title battle resolves could shape how Americans understand who is caring for them in the OR.
