This bill amends the Iowa Code to change the title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate." Specifically, it updates Section 147.74 to allow individuals licensed under chapter 148C to use the title "physician associate" instead of "physician assistant." The bill mandates that all references to "physician assistant" in the Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code be revised to "physician associate," while clarifying that the terms are synonymous and that the rights and responsibilities of those licensed remain unchanged.

Additionally, the bill ensures that existing relationships between individuals and entities employing or working with physician assistants will not be disrupted by the title change. It allows individuals eligible for licensure to use either title until "physician associate" becomes widely adopted. Agencies are required to update relevant documents and forms to reflect this change by January 1, 2027, and they may submit amendments to the administrative code editor for editorial updates to rules.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147.74