This bill amends New Jersey law to officially change the terminology from "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout various sections of existing legislation. This change aligns with the preferences of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and aims to modernize the language used in legal documentation related to healthcare professionals. The bill also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of physician associates, allowing them to perform certain medical services under the supervision of licensed physicians, and introduces requirements for delegation agreements that outline the scope of practice for these professionals.

In addition to the terminology updates, the bill includes provisions that enhance the regulatory framework for physician associates, such as mandating continuing medical education on specific topics like prescription opioid drugs and end-of-life care. It also establishes a Physician Associate Advisory Committee to oversee licensure and disciplinary actions. Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions related to healthcare facilities and maintains existing tax exemption provisions for hospitals and emergency care facilities, ensuring that the legal language remains clear and consistent while promoting the professional development of physician associates in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:17-44, 9:17-62, 9:17-65, 9:17A-4, 18A:40-41, 18A:40-41.7, 18A:61D-13, 18A:61D-14, 24:6I-3, 24:6J-3, 24:6J-5, 24:6L-3, 24:6M-2, 24:21-15.2, 26:2-192, 26:2H-5, 26:2H-5.34, 26:2H-128, 26:2H-130, 26:2H-131, 26:2H-134, 26:2H-135, 26:2H-136, 26:2K-12, 26:2K-14, 26:3A2-20.3, 26:4-48.2, 26:6-8.1, 26:6-8.2, 26:13-2, 30:4-82.7, 30:4-165.8, 30:4D-6, 30:4D-8.2, 30:9A-24, 39:4-204, 39:4-205, 39:4-206, 40:48J-1, 45:1-15, 45:1-44, 45:1-53.1, 45:1-58, 45:1-61, 45:1-69, 45:1-70, 45:9-27.10, 45:9-27.11, 45:9-27.12, 45:9-27.13, 45:9-27.15, 45:9-27.16, 45:9-27.17, 45:9-27.18, 45:9-27.19, 45:9-27.20, 45:9-27.23, 45:9-27.25, 45:14E-3, 52:17B-71, 54:4-3.6