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Bill to rename 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' gets hearing, laid over
Summary
Supporters told the committee that changing the professional title from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' would reduce public confusion without altering scope of practice. The committee laid Senate File 1084 over after testimony from practicing PAs.
Senate File 1084, which would change the official title 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' in Minnesota statute, received testimony on March 4 in the Health and Human Services Committee.
Senator Colbeck introduced the proposal and Leslie Clayton, a practicing PA and a leader with the American Academy of Physician Associates, argued the title more accurately reflects PA education and clinical responsibilities. "The evidence shows the term 'assistant' perpetuated misunderstanding about PA education and scope of practice," Clayton said, noting studies and legislative changes in other states that have adopted or considered the title 'physician associate.'
Supporters said the change would not alter the established PA scope of practice in Minnesota statute, which already defines PA responsibilities and supervision arrangements. Committee members had few substantive objections and the bill was laid over for future consideration.
