This bill amends New Jersey law to replace the term "physician assistant" with "physician associate" throughout various statutes, aligning with the preferred terminology of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). The changes ensure that the rights, privileges, and scope of practice for individuals currently licensed as physician assistants remain unaffected, and that billing and reimbursement policies continue unchanged. Additionally, those licensed as physician assistants prior to the bill's enactment can retain that title until their next licensure renewal, at which point they will be designated as physician associates.

The bill also addresses law enforcement licensing, stipulating that applicants cannot be denied a license solely based on past disciplinary actions prior to the bill's enactment. It outlines specific requirements for out-of-state law enforcement officers, including the completion of a waiver form for internal affairs record review. The commission is granted authority to issue licenses for various law enforcement roles, and any denial of a license must be accompanied by a written statement. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, aiming to modernize terminology and enhance the regulatory framework for both healthcare and law enforcement professionals 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