It’s not every day there's an intubation simulation in the state Capitol.

“We’re looking to educate the lawmakers on our profession and hopefully, codify our title in state education law," said Sean McGarry, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who is president of the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NYSANA).

New York is the only state in the nation where the profession of a certified registered nurse anesthetist is not formally recognized.

“It creates a lot of barriers to our practice,” McGarry said.

There are more than 1,900 CRNAs in New York.

Every year, according to NYSANA, CRNAs administer more than 45 million anesthetics to patients across the country. And despite the seven-plus years it takes to become a CRNA, they say the scope of their ability is narrowed because of state educational requirements and regulations.

“If you’ve ever had surgery, it’s likely that a certified registered nurse anesthetist has been involved in your anesthesia care,” McGarry said.

Patients like Michael Boots attest to the services a CRNA can provide. Given his experience, Boots has become an advocate for a profession that has made a positive impact on his life.

"He was the person, quite frankly, that was with me through for the entire process, to the point of checking out," Boots said of a CRNA. "If CRNAs can provide care independently, I hope it’ll alleviate some of the crunch we’re finding with the lack of health care professionals."

Right now, lawmakers in the Senate Higher Education Committee are reviewing legislation that would codify a CRNA’s role in the state’s health care system.

“With that we would be able to increase care for all New Yorkers across the state and increase some flexibility among the hospitals to use a provider mix,” McGarry said.