In communities across America, surgical care depends on reliable anesthesia services. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are helping meet this need by working within the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model, bringing vital surgical care to facilities and communities. 

Anesthesia care is typically delivered through physician anesthesiologists or through collaborative care teams where non-physician anesthesia clinicians (CAAs or CRNAs) work alongside physician anesthesiologists. This team-based approach proves particularly valuable in rural and underserved areas, helping facilities maintain consistent surgical services.

CAAs are stepping up to address healthcare needs through locum assignments. By managing key aspects of anesthesia care under the direction of an anesthesiologist—from pre-op to post-op—CAAs help facilities maintain surgical schedules and provide patients with local access to care.

Growing Opportunities for CAAs

The demand for CAAs continues to expand as facilities recognize their contributions to surgical services. Currently, CAAs can practice in 22 states and jurisdictions:

  • Alabama
  • Colorado
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Kansas (delegatory authority)
  • Kentucky
  • Indiana
  • Michigan (delegatory authority)
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania (delegatory authority)
  • South Carolina
  • Texas (delegatory authority)
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

CAAs can practice within an ACT model in these jurisdictions through two frameworks:

  1. Licensure Authority Model: CAAs practice medicine as part of an ACT after completing licensing requirements.
  2. Delegated Authority Model: Physicians delegate specific responsibilities to CAAs while maintaining oversight of patient care.

Benefits of Choosing Locum Tenens

For CAAs seeking to enhance their impact in healthcare, locum tenens provides unique advantages:

  1. Make a difference where it matters most. In many communities, facilities are dealing with surgical backlogs that mean patients have to wait for care––locums CAAs can be the difference between a patient receiving immediate care, or languishing on a waitlist.
  2. Try new environments. From regional medical centers to rural hospitals, locum assignments offer exposure to various practice settings. This diversity of experience enhances both your clinical skills and your understanding of different healthcare delivery models.
  3. Maintain schedule flexibility. Locums allows you to find work that fits your schedule. If you want to do locums full-time, your locums consultant can help you find regular or long-term assignments. If you’d rather take on occasional locums jobs to supplement your income,  short-term assignments are also available.
  4. Earn competitive compensation. Locum tenens assignments often offer premium rates, which can allow you to work less hours while maintaining the same level of income.

How Hayes Locums Supports Your Journey

If you’re considering a switch to locum tenens, it’s important to find a trustworthy locums partner who can help find the right fit for you. When you’re looking for a locums partner, consider:

  1. Specialty-specific support: Our anesthesiology team brings a deep understanding of the field and state-specific requirements. They work to identify positions that align with your experience and goals, while our licensing team guides you through state requirements.
  2. Prioritizing relationship over recruitment: No one wants to be seen as a number. We take time to understand your specific situation and preferences. By focusing on quality matches, our consultants can identify positions that truly fit your needs.
  3. Comprehensive service and support. We recognize that transitioning to locums involves preparation. Our team assists you throughout the process—from credentialing to travel arrangements—making your experience as smooth as possible.

As healthcare facilities work to expand surgical care access, opportunities for CAAs in locum tenens continue to grow. If you’re ready to explore how you can make a difference while advancing your career, we’re ready to help! Whether it’s your first assignment or your fiftieth, we’re dedicated to finding the right fit for you and making the process as stress-free as possible.