Key Insights:
- Oregon has officially changed the title of “physician assistants” to “physician associates” with the signing of a new bill by Governor Tina Kotek. This change, effective from June 6, 2024, aligns with the 2021 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) decision to redefine “PA” to mean “physician associate” rather than “physician assistant.”
- The title change has elicited mixed reactions from professionals within the field. According to the Medscape Physician Assistant Career Satisfaction Report 2023, only 40% of PAs favored the change, 45% were neutral, and 15% opposed it. The change aims to better reflect the autonomous role PAs play in patient care rather than just assisting physicians.
- There are concerns about public confusion over the new title. Some practitioners worry that “physician associate” might not be well understood or could be confused with business associates. Despite these concerns, the change is intended to elevate the profession’s public perception to more accurately represent their clinical role