Those ARE the facts, GG. Currently, the Governors of 14 states have submitted letters to CMS (old HCFA) indicated that their states will require CRNAs to be neither supervised nor directed by physicians. And in NO state does the CRNA require MDA supervision or direction....that is hospital by hospital dictate.
To be sure, there are many CRNAs who now and will always prefer to work within the Team concept. That is their choice and I applaud everyone's right to be able to work where ever they choose.
Choosing to call oneself Associate or Assistant...so what....in my mind, for ME, it is an untenable environment, I prefer the independent practice lifestyle and will remain here until _I_ decide when I want to stop working....NOT when "The Man" has plans to stuff his pockets more with the money that I earn him and he wants to hire someone cheaper.