This mid-levels slobbering for independenceand expansion of scope of practice really irks me. The training just isn't there. If they want to work in the role of physicians for what ever reason: they should just do the one-and-only logical thing to accomplish this: go to medical school. Independence and equal reimbursement should not even be an idea on anyone's mind. Just be concerned about fulfilling the role that was created, which is a respectable one. Or again, if that does not satisfy the ego: go to medical school.
Regarding the name change. "associate" implies equality with "physician", which is not nor will ever be the case educationally, while "assistant" defines the reality. Or if that sounds too revealingly subservient, then how about the bland moniker of "Physician Employee?"
And this DNP thing really doesn't make any sense. Medicine follow the medical model, not the nursing model. Wearing long white coats and wanted to be called "doctor". Just go to medical school.
The force that is lent to these efforts by insurers and reimbursers should also not have been allowed to gain momentum, and should be forcibly negated.
I will never understand why on earth physicians ever allowed anyone or anything to encroach upon what is inherently granted solely by virtue of a medical degree. But I'm looking forward to the day when we firmly put this issue to rest with the finality of a coffin lid closing.