CRNAs Appointed to APSF Patient Safety Priority Advisory Groups

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) congratulates two Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, on their appointment to serve on Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) Perioperative Safety Priority Advisory Groups (PSPAGs). Danilo Lovinaria, DNP, APRN, MBA, CRNA, CHSE, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, an AANA member since 2000, will join the PSPAG on Medication Safety. Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, an AANA member since 1998, will join the PSPAG on Airway Management.  

The 10 APSF Priority Advisory Groups are dedicated to advancing patient safety practices within the anesthesia community focusing on the following areas: Culture of Safety, Teamwork, Clinical Deterioration, Non-Operating Room Anesthesia, Perioperative Brain Health, Opioid-Related Harm, Medication Safety, Infectious Diseases, Clinician Safety, and Airway Management.  

Dan Lovinaria

Lovinaria is a practicing nurse anesthetist at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System and University of Minnesota Physicians. He previously served as Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Nurse Anesthesia Program.  He is a former president for the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) and currently MANA’s State Peer Advisor for more than 1,700 Minnesota members. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, encouraging and mentoring critical care nurses to invest their future career in nurse anesthesia.  

Of his appointment to the Medication Safety PSPAG, Lovinaria said: “I am genuinely enthusiastic about the potential outcomes and positive influence that this collaboration holds for our anesthesia practices. Together, we can work towards elevating standards in medication safety and continue delivering the utmost quality of care to our esteemed patients. This appointment signifies a significant milestone in my commitment to enhancing patient safety within our healthcare environment, and I am eager to contribute meaningfully to this vital cause.” 

Roxanne McMurray 

A CRNA for more than 30 years, McMurray combined her airway management expertise with a deep passion to improve care delivery for patients and providers to invent the world’s first distal pharyngeal airway device. She received the American Nurses Association 2023 “nurse-led team” Innovation Award for her invention, the McMurray Enhanced Airway. 

A recognized authority on airway tools and airway management McMurray is the co-founder and clinical director of McMurray Medical Group, LLC.  She is a former professor and assistant clinical director at the University of Minnesota.  

Of her appointment “I am thrilled to be invited to serve on the Airway Management PSPAG,” she said. “I am eager to collaborate with airway specialists and leaders globally to enhance patient outcomes.” 

About the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) 

The APSF is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving patient safety in anesthesia care. Founded in 1985, the APSF advances research, education, and guidelines to enhance patient safety during anesthesia. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers, the APSF strives to foster a culture of safety in anesthesia worldwide.