Which 1980s objective did AANA pursue?

• A. Promote independence of the profession.
• B. Limit continuing education.
• C. Reduce patient care standards.
• D. Separate practice from medicine entirely.

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is professional autonomy within nursing anesthesia. In the 1980s, the AANA pushed for greater independence for nurse anesthetists—aiming to have their own recognized professional status, with control over scope of practice, credentialing, and standards, within the broader medical system. This emphasis on independence means they sought to practice with substantial self-direction rather than being tightly controlled by physicians, while still operating within the medical field rather than separating from medicine altogether. The other options don’t align with their aims: limiting continuing education would undermine professional standards; reducing patient care standards would jeopardize safety; and separating practice from medicine entirely misstates the nature of nurse anesthesia, which operates in partnership within healthcare. So promoting independence of the profession is the best fit.