This bill amends New Jersey law to officially change the title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout various statutes, aligning with the terminology adopted by the American Academy of Physician Associates in May 2021. Key amendments include replacing "physician assistant" with "physician associate" in contexts such as artificial insemination, gestational carrier agreements, and medical consent for minors. The bill also updates definitions related to healthcare professionals, ensuring that physician associates are recognized alongside advanced practice nurses and certified nurse midwives in providing medical care and services.

In addition to the title change, the bill introduces new educational requirements for physician associates, mandating specific credits in areas like prescription opioid education and bias training for license renewal. It establishes the responsibilities of the State Board of Medical Examiners in approving continuing education programs and emphasizes nondiscriminatory access to these opportunities. The bill aims to modernize healthcare terminology, clarify the roles of physician associates, and enhance their professional development, ultimately improving the regulatory framework governing medical practice 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