This bill proposes a change in terminology from "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout various sections of New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated (RSAs). The amendments involve replacing instances of "physician assistant" with "physician associate" in numerous legal references, ensuring that the change is purely nominal and does not affect the rights, privileges, or responsibilities of those currently practicing under the title of physician assistant. The bill also clarifies that all existing billing and reimbursement policies will remain unchanged, and no regulatory modifications will occur as a result of this name change.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that explicitly states the implications of the title change, affirming that the term "physician associate" will encompass all previous references to "physician assistant." It also includes provisions for penalties related to unauthorized use of the title. The effective date for the changes in terminology is set for January 1, 2027, while the rest of the bill will take effect upon its passage. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the title without altering the legal framework surrounding the profession.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 328-D:10
As Amended by the Senate: 328-D:10
As Amended by the House: 328-D:10, 328-D:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 328-D:10, 328-D:13