Three states have successfully made statutory changes to replace the title “physician assistant” with “physician associate,” according to an Oct. 28 news release from the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Here are five things to know:
1. In April 2024, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed legislation officially changing the title to “physician associate,” making the state the first in the nation to do so.
2. This June, Maine became the second state to adopt the new title after two years of advocacy by the Maine Academy of Physician Associates.
3. In July, New Hampshire became the third state to pass legislation legally updating the title, following a bipartisan study committee that found the term “assistant” can create confusion about a PA’s role and responsibilities.
4. On Oct. 22, the Ohio House Health Committee heard HB 353, a bill proposing to make the same title change.
5. The AAPA said in the release the title better captures the profession’s training, autonomy and collaborative function in modern healthcare settings.
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