The demand for qualified anesthesia professionals is putting pressure on healthcare organizations across the United States. In response to this growing need, CHG Healthcare has acquired KREWE Anesthesia, a staffing company focused on certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
The acquisition strengthens CHG Healthcare’s ability to provide CRNA staffing and managed anesthesia services to healthcare organizations, according to the company’s August 11, 2026 announcement.
CHG Healthcare Expands Its Anesthesia Staffing Services
CHG Healthcare, based in Midvale, Utah, connects physicians, advanced practice providers and allied health professionals with healthcare organizations across the United States. The company says its workforce solutions help healthcare organizations deliver care to more than 20 million patients each year.
With more than 40 years of experience, CHG provides workforce solutions that include locum tenens and permanent staffing, as well as technology and advisory services. The acquisition of KREWE adds a specialized CRNA staffing business to its existing capabilities. CHG said the deal will help it respond to increasing client demand for CRNA staffing and managed anesthesia services.
KREWE Anesthesia Brings CRNA-Focused Expertise
Founded in 2022, KREWE Anesthesia is a CRNA-founded and CRNA-led anesthesia workforce solutions company. It connects qualified anesthesia professionals with healthcare facilities across the country. The company provides locum tenens staffing, workforce management, and customized coverage solutions. Its services are designed for hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare organizations with anesthesia workforce needs.
KREWE also has specialized recruiting, scheduling, credentialing, and provider-support capabilities. These services allow healthcare organizations to manage anesthesia coverage while giving anesthesia professionals access to career opportunities and flexible staffing arrangements. Following the acquisition, KREWE will continue operating under its existing leadership. CEO Gavin Baker and President Chase Chiasson will remain with the company, according to the announcement.
CRNA Demand Continues to Grow
The acquisition comes as demand for CRNAs continues to increase within the U.S. healthcare workforce. CHG Healthcare’s 2025 State of Locum Tenens Report estimates that more than 28,000 advanced practice providers currently work in locum tenens. The report says CRNAs make up a predominant share of that group.
The report also found that demand for CRNAs has increased rapidly, making CRNAs the most requested specialty in CHG’s Locumsmart platform. CHG estimated that demand for CRNAs would continue to grow by 25% during 2025, more than twice the projected growth rate for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These workforce trends have increased the need for staffing companies that can provide specialized anesthesia professionals to healthcare facilities.
Leadership to Continue at KREWE
CHG said KREWE will maintain its leadership team following the acquisition. Baker and Chiasson will continue leading the company, allowing KREWE to retain its existing management structure.
Baker said the partnership will allow KREWE to create more opportunities for CRNAs while expanding its approach to solving anesthesia workforce challenges. Chiasson added that the company’s leadership team, provider focus, and culture will remain in place following the transaction. KREWE also reports approximately 84% annual clinician retention, according to the acquisition announcement.
Advisors for the Acquisition
Several financial and legal advisers supported the transaction.
MTS Health Partners served as financial adviser to CHG Healthcare, while Latham & Watkins LLP served as its legal adviser. Citizens M&A Advisory served as financial adviser to KREWE, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as its legal adviser. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition in the announcement.
A Strategic Move in Anesthesia Staffing
The acquisition gives CHG Healthcare an expanded presence in CRNA staffing at a time when healthcare organizations are seeking more specialized workforce solutions.
By adding KREWE’s CRNA-focused staffing capabilities, CHG can support clients with services ranging from individual locum placements to broader anesthesia workforce management. KREWE’s existing leadership will remain in place, while the company becomes part of CHG Healthcare’s wider workforce platform.
The deal highlights the growing importance of specialized staffing solutions as healthcare organizations work to maintain reliable anesthesia coverage. With CRNA demand continuing to rise, the acquisition strengthens CHG Healthcare’s ability to address this specific workforce need across the United States.
