Four states are emerging as focal points in the national debate over updating the title “physician assistant” to “physician associate,” according to an Oct. 28 news release from the American Academy of Physician Associates.
In April, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed legislation making Oregon the first state in the country to officially change the title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate.” Maine followed suit in June, becoming the second state to make the change. In July, New Hampshire became the third to legally adopt the new title.
The latest state to enter the conversation is Ohio. On Oct. 22, HB 353 — a bill to replace “physician assistant” with “physician associate” — was heard before the state’s House Health Committee.
“The term ‘assistant’ no longer reflects our role in healthcare or our partnerships with physicians,” said Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, during the hearing. “PAs do not replace physicians or other providers; rather, we work with them.”
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