Protecting Physician-Led Anesthesia Care Through Political Advocacy
The California Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee (CSAPAC) is one of the most effective tools available to advance physician-led anesthesia care in California.
Every legislative session, lawmakers consider proposals that directly impact how anesthesiologists care for patients. Decisions made in Sacramento influence scope of practice, patient safety, reimbursement, workforce issues, and the future of our specialty.
CSAPAC helps ensure physician anesthesiologists have a voice in those conversations by supporting candidates who understand healthcare and are committed to policies that protect patients and preserve physician-led care.
While CSA advocates through education, grassroots engagement, and direct lobbying, CSAPAC provides another important avenue for advancing those efforts through the political process.
Contribute to CSAPACWhy CSAPAC Matters
Every legislative session, California lawmakers consider proposals that directly impact physician anesthesiologists and the patients they serve. Decisions made in Sacramento influence:
- Scope of practice
- Physician reimbursement
- Patient safety
- Healthcare workforce issues
- Access to physician-led anesthesia care
Strong relationships with elected officials help ensure the physician perspective is represented before these decisions are made.
CSAPAC is the bipartisan political action committee affiliated with the California Society of Anesthesiologists. By supporting candidates who understand the value of physician-led care, CSAPAC helps strengthen CSA’s advocacy efforts and advance policies that protect patients and our specialty.
Your contribution helps CSA:
- Build relationships with elected officials
- Support physician champions
- Advance legislation that protects patients
- Oppose policies that threaten physician-led anesthesia care
- Keep anesthesiologists engaged in the legislative process
Every contribution, regardless of amount, demonstrates the commitment of California anesthesiologists to protecting their profession and the patients they serve.
Contribute to CSAPACGASPAC’s Legacy
For more than two decades, physician anesthesiologists in California built political relationships in Sacramento under a memorable name: GASPAC. Through the dedication and generosity of CSA members, GASPAC became one of the most effective tools to advance physician-led anesthesia care in the state. In 2017, CSA strengthened that foundation by creating a dues opt-out contribution model, building a sustainable base of support alongside voluntary contributions from individual members and physician groups.
That legacy of support has translated into real impact. Over the past decade alone, GASPAC contributed more than $2 million to candidates and committees across California, helping build lasting relationships with legislators and ensuring physician anesthesiologists had a seat at the table on the issues that matter most to the specialty.
In 2026, the committee was renamed CSAPAC to reflect its direct connection to CSA, carrying forward the same mission and legacy GASPAC built over more than two decades.
Contribute to CSAPAC
Frequently Asked Questions
How CSAPAC Works
CSAPAC is the bipartisan political action committee affiliated with the California Society of Anesthesiologists.
Voluntary contributions from physician anesthesiologists and other supporters are combined to support state and local candidates whose positions align with CSA’s legislative priorities.
Contribution decisions are made through an established review process that considers a candidate’s leadership, committee assignments, voting record, accessibility, and demonstrated commitment to issues affecting anesthesiology and patient care.
CSAPAC supports candidates based on their commitment to these issues; not political party affiliation.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A political action committee is an organization that collects voluntary contributions to support candidates for public office who share the organization’s legislative priorities.
What are the CSAPAC GIving Levels?
Supporter
$300
Golden State Club
$500
Governor’s Club
$1,000
President’s Club
Physician groups contributing $7,000 or more annually
Is CSAPAC part of CSA?
CSAPAC is the affiliated political action committee of the California Society of Anesthesiologists. While CSA advocates through lobbying, education, and grassroots engagement, CSAPAC provides an additional avenue for supporting policymakers who champion physician-led anesthesia care.
Are contributions tax deductible?
No. Contributions to CSAPAC are voluntary political contributions and are not deductible as charitable contributions or business expenses for federal or state income tax purposes.
Who can contribute?
CSAPAC accepts contributions in accordance with California campaign finance laws. Additional reporting requirements may apply depending on contribution amount and contributor type.
Are there contribution limits?
Yes. California campaign finance laws limit contributions from an individual to $9,800 per calendar year (25-26) to a political action committee that contributes to state candidates. Contributions are also subject to applicable reporting and disclosure requirements under California law. If you have questions about eligibility or contribution limits, please contact csa@csahq.org
How are candidates selected?
CSA-PAC is the political action committee of the California Society of Anesthesiologists. It supports candidates, regardless of party affiliation, who demonstrate a commitment to policies that strengthen physician-led anesthesia care, improve patient safety, and advance healthcare in California. The CSA-PAC Board of Directors meets to review candidates and authorizes support or endorsement.
Disclaimer
Contributions to CSAPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions or business expenses for federal or state income tax purposes. Contributions are subject to the limitations and reporting requirements of California law.