Which of the following is a function of the AANA?

• A. Certification
• B. Liaison to the public
• C. Sets Standards of practice and code ethics
• D. Members services (peer assistance for chemically dependent members)

Answer: (B)

Liaison to the public is the function most clearly aligned with the AANA’s external role. The association acts as the profession’s voice and bridge to patients, the media, and policymakers, helping the public understand what nurse anesthetists do and promoting patient safety and informed choices.

Certification is handled by a separate certifying body, not the AANA, so that activity isn’t a function of the organization. Standards of practice and code ethics are indeed established by the profession, but the emphasis here is on the AANA’s outward-facing role to the public rather than internal guideline setting. Peer assistance programs for members are valuable support services, but they relate to member welfare rather than the organization’s primary public-facing function.