Title Change

Physician associates (PAs) know excellent healthcare starts with a human connection and strong personal relationships. That’s why American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), our affiliate organizations, and PA programs are working to update the PA professional title to ensure patients understand the role of PAs in healthcare delivery and the high-quality care PAs provide.

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CO Name Changes
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Statutory Changes (Oregon)
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States Anticipating 2025 Legislation

“Thanks to the passage of House Bill 4010, PAs will have a title that more accurately reflects our scope of practice and will give patients a better understanding of the important credentials and responsibilities that PAs have within the healthcare system. I hope it helps pave the way for other states to update their title as well.”

– Oregon Society of Physician Associates (OSPA) President Alisa Gifford, PA-C
FAQs

FAQs

When and where can PAs use the title “physician associate”?

PAs may use the title “physician associate” at their own discretion subject to the following:

  • Follow applicable state laws and policies:
    • PAs are encouraged to review applicable state laws and regulations and/or consult with legal counsel before using the title “physician associate” in patient-facing, clinical settings.
    • PAs should also comply with all employer and healthcare facility policies, licensing board policies, third-party payor agreements, grant funding and contractual representations, malpractice insurance requirements, ethics standards, publisher expectations, and other legal obligations.
  • Be aware of badging, identification, notification, and advertising requirements.

Oregon has secured a title change from physician assistant to physician associate. What effect does that have on the profession as a whole?

On April 4, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law a bill that included a variety of healthcare provisions, including changing the title of “physician assistants” to “physician associates.” The new law became effective on June 6, 2024. See this page on Oregon.gov for more information.

While this is a significant and exciting milestone, it does not immediately authorize Oregon PAs, PA students, or these individuals in any jurisdiction to begin using the title “physician associate.”  The Oregon Medical Board will need to establish regulations and guidance before use of this title can begin. A timeline will be established that PAs and PA students should follow. When available, that guidance will be updated on this page.

Since Oregon’s law is only applicable to students in PA programs and PAs licensed and practicing in that state, PAs and PA students must comply with applicable state laws and policies in the states where they practice.

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Why is AAPA pursuing a title change?

As the healthcare environment has evolved to meet the changing needs of patients, title change has been a subject of discussion within the PA profession. There has been long-standing concern that the professional title does not reflect the important role of PAs in delivering high-quality healthcare to patients.

The May 2021 decision by AAPA’s House of Delegates (HOD) to change the profession’s title was the result of a methodical process that unfolded over the course of three years and was informed by rigorous and substantial research by independent experts.

Why is a professional title change good for patients and the healthcare system?

Excellent healthcare starts with a human connection and strong personal relationships. PAs are rigorously educated clinicians who are dedicated to providing quality patient care; they understand that trust and connection begin with each initial patient encounter. The new title – physician associate – directly addresses the common misperception that PAs merely “assist” physicians. They do so much more!

As highly respected medical professionals, PAs have an essential role in delivering high-quality, team-based healthcare. It is in the best interests of patients and the healthcare system for PAs to hold a professional title that ensures patient confidence and clarity about their work.

Does a title change impact PA scope of practice?

No. Changing the profession’s title does not change what PAs do or impact a PA’s scope of practice. PAs know what their scope of practice is; they are educated to recognize when circumstances call for consultation, collaboration, and/or referral.

PA scope of practice should be based on the PA’s medical education, training, experience, and competencies. In addition, a PA’s scope of practice is determined by state laws and regulations, employer facilities policies, and the immediate needs of the patients served by the practice.

How does the title change affect the profession’s commitment to team practice?

It doesn’t. As they have for more than 50 years, PAs will continue to be united with their healthcare colleagues by the shared mission of providing safe, effective, high-quality care to all patients. This commitment to a team-based model can only benefit patients when each team member’s experience and expertise is fully engaged and utilized. When PAs are empowered to practice medicine to the full extent of their medical education, training, and experience, communities see increased access to care, improved health outcomes, and overall well-being. AAPA remains dedicated to advocacy efforts aimed at reducing state and federal practice barriers affecting PAs and their patients.

Why should states use AAPA’s Title Change Model Legislation?

States are encouraged to follow AAPA’s Title Change Model State Legislation (Model) as it has been carefully and thoughtfully developed with the guidance and expertise of AAPA’s legal counsel. It is specifically designed to achieve regulatory efficiency and promote consistency across state lines while simultaneously assuring that other facets of this issue such as title protection are appropriately addressed within the subsequent law(s) or regulation(s) a state may enact or adopt.

AAPA has great respect for each jurisdiction’s unique, local realities and legislative and regulatory processes. As such, AAPA understands that the enactment of the Model as written may not always be feasible. Constituent organization leaders, in collaboration with their lobbyist(s) and AAPA state advocacy liaisons, can craft language to address these specific needs while using the Model as their guide to achieve title change.

How will professional title change impact the pursuit of other advocacy priorities?

Title change legislation is just one of many legislative priorities that will advance the PA profession. Additional state advocacy initiatives to modernize PA practice will continue as determined by PA state chapters in consultation with the AAPA advocacy team.

How will I know what is happening in my state/territory regarding title change?

AAPA will continue to work with each state chapter to pursue professional title change in state legislatures. To stay up to date on your jurisdiction’s efforts, PAs are encouraged to join and remain active in the PA chapters for the state(s)/territories in which they practice.

Where can COs get more information about changing their organization name?

AAPA has prepared a Constituent Organization Name Change Considerations Checklist as a resource for COs changing their organizational name as well as pursuing professional title change in their state.

Why do two professional titles appear on AAPA’s website?

AAPA is using the physician associate title throughout our assets and digital properties. Given the number of platforms and assets to be updated, the variety of audiences they reach, as well as legal considerations, it is expected that both terms (physician assistant and physician associate) will be used on the website for the next several years.

News

News

Oregon Becomes First State to Officially Change PA Title to Physician Associate

Oregon HB 4010 (2024), signed by Governor Tina Kotek in April, changes the physician assistant (PA) title to “physician associate” for professionals licensed and practicing in the state.

Oregon Physician Assistants Get Name Change

Updating the PA title will ensure patients understand the role of PAs in healthcare delivery.

‘Physician associate’ title gains traction in replacing ‘physician assistant’

Updating the PA title will ensure patients understand the role of PAs in healthcare delivery.

Physician assistants’ push for a rebrand gains steam

Physician assistants have won the first round in an unusual push to rebrand themselves as physician associates. And doctors aren’t amused.