Title Change

Title Change Implementation

The official title of the PA profession is “physician associate.” As the organization representing the PA profession, AAPA has transitioned to the American Academy of Physician Associates.

PAs should continue to use “physician assistant” or “PA” as their official legal title in a professional capacity, particularly in clinical settings and with patients. AAPA is transitioning to the use of “physician associate” when possible and when it does not present a legal or regulatory conflict.

Please see the FAQs for answers to popular questions.

Title change implementation is a complex undertaking that will take time to wholly implement. It also involves other national PA organizations (PAEA, NCCPA, and ARC-PA), PA programs, AAPA Constituent Organizations, as well as state and federal governments, regulators, and employers. As this process unfolds, AAPA will continue to provide updates.

Title Change Vote

On May 24, 2021, after much debate and discussion, the AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) passed a resolution affirming “physician associate” as the official title of the PA profession by a majority vote of 198 to 68. For more information on the HOD and its responsibility regarding a title change, check out our FAQs.

Updated FAQs

We know you have questions about this extremely complex issue. AAPA has updated the Title Change FAQs to address your questions and concerns about the new professional title. We will update this page regularly, so please bookmark it for easy access.

How Did We Get Here?

At the May 2018 AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, a resolution passed requesting that the AAPA Board of Directors (BOD), “contract with an appropriate independent consulting/research firm(s) to investigate state/federal, financial, political, branding aspects, and alternatives to the creation of a new professional title for physician assistants that accurately reflects AAPA professional practice policies…” To learn more about the Title Change Investigation study, including changes that will need to be made and estimated costs associated with those changes, AAPA members can access the November 2020 Physician Assistant Title Change Investigation Final Report to the AAPA House of Delegates.

Major Milestones

Aug – Sept

2021
  • The Articles of Incorporation for the American Academy of Physician Associates, Inc. becomes official with the state of North Carolina
  • The American Academy of Physician Associates, Inc. becomes official with the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission
  • The business license for the City of Alexandria is updated to reflect the new corporation name
  • AAPA completes the updated filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • AAPA and its legal counsel continue developing resources for organizations interested in changing their names to align with the profession’s title change

  • AAPA continues to work with legal counsel to proactively plan for specific challenges and/or concerns
  • AAPA continues external outreach efforts with representatives of medical organizations, government agencies, employers, payers, and medical boards
  • AAPA continues to collaborate with partner organizations PAEA, NCCPA, and ARC-PA
  • AAPA continues to work with GMMB to develop the PA branding campaign and assets

June – July

2021
  • AAPA Board of Directors meets to formally establish support for the will of the House of Delegates
  • AAPA Board of Directors meets with senior management to begin implementation of the HOD title change policy
  • AAPA begins the implementation of title change
  • AAPA informs various external stakeholders of title change
  • AAPA partners with GMMB to begin the profession’s brand development with the goal of presenting the Brand Activation Plan to the AAPA Board of Directors in October 2021
  • AAPA surveys Constituent Organizations to better understand their future plans regarding pursuit of Optimal Team Practice and title change
  • AAPA sends written notification to 19 medical organizations where AAPA has a medical liaison to address the intent of and rationale behind the title change
  • AAPA continues its work with legal counsel to proactively plan for specific challenges and/or concerns
  • AAPA initiates external outreach efforts with representatives of medical organizations, government agencies, employers, payers, and medical boards
  • AAPA conducts meetings with U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, leaders at the Veterans Health Administration, and leadership from several national healthcare organizations
  • AAPA continues its collaborative efforts with partner organizations PAEA, NCCPA, and ARC-PA