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Oregon will become the first state to call PAs "physician associates" rather than "physician assistants."

Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed the bill on April 4, about a month after the state legislature passed it. PAs in Oregon will continue to practice as physician assistants until the law takes effect on June 6, 2024.

The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) notes that the and that the Oregon law does not impact PAs licensed in states outside Oregon. PAs dually licensed in Oregon and another state also can't call themselves physician associates in other states.

The AAPA also cautions that using the term physician associate too soon could put PAs at risk for discipline from their licensing board or another regulator.

Lisa Gables, CEO of the AAPA, noted that after the law takes effect on June 6, "the Oregon Medical Board will need to establish regulations and guidance before PAs can begin using the new title in practice" and that the law itself "does not immediately authorize Oregon PAs to begin using the title 'physician associate' in a clinical setting."

While Oregon is the first to enact this change in terminology, the movement to rebrand PAs began years ago.

In 2021, the AAPA voted to change the name of their profession to physician associate. However, before PAs could start using the new title themselves, the AAPA focused on changing the name of their organization to the American Academy of Physician Associates as well as advocacy towards state and federal legislation. Several state chapters, including Oregon, changed their names to reflect the updated language.

In an email to MedPage Today, Gables called the Oregon legislation "a significant and exciting milestone" and said the AAPA is optimistic that more lawmakers will be interested to learn more about why PAs are advocating for the title change.

"Changing the title addresses a common misperception that PAs only 'assist' physicians when in fact PAs are highly educated medical professionals who deliver high-quality, team-based healthcare," Gables wrote, adding that the title change is more than just nomenclature but "about fostering trust and a connection with patients, ultimately leading to better healthcare."

With the law's passage, "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," said Alisa Gifford, PA-C, the president of the Oregon Society of Physician Associates, in an .

However, physicians are less sold on the idea.

Back in 2021, when the proposed title change to physician associate was first introduced, both the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association said the name change would confuse patients.

Susan Bailey, MD, who was the AMA president from 2021 to 2022, that the "AAPA's effort to change the title of physician assistants to rebrand their profession will undoubtedly confuse patients and is clearly an attempt to advance their pursuit toward independent practice."

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