The bill proposes a significant update to the terminology used in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) by replacing the term "physician assistant" with "physician associate" throughout various sections. This change aims to better reflect the education, training, and roles of these healthcare professionals, aligning with national standards and enhancing clarity in patient care and administrative processes. The legislation includes provisions for revising relevant rules, contracts, and official materials to ensure consistency in the use of the new terminology. Additionally, the bill allows for the interchangeable use of both terms during a transition period and mandates that health plans and managed care organizations update their materials accordingly.

Furthermore, the bill outlines various amendments related to healthcare practices, including the qualifications for licensure as a physician associate, the authority to perform specific medical tasks, and the establishment of collaboration agreements between physician associates and physicians. It also addresses the management of healthcare services in rural areas, the treatment of minors with behavioral health disorders, and the administration of medications, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected throughout these processes. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the healthcare framework in Washington State, improve access to care, and enhance the regulatory environment for healthcare professionals.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.71A.010, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.045, 18.71A.050, 18.71A.060, 18.71A.085, 18.71A.090, 18.71A.100, 18.71A.110, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.800, 18.71A.810, 18.71A.820, 4.24.240, 7.68.030, 7.70.020, 9.02.110, 9.02.130, 9.02.170, 9.41.010, 9.97.020, 10.77.575, 11.130.290, 11.130.390, 11.130.615, 18.16.260, 18.50.005, 18.50.115, 18.57.040, 18.59.100, 18.71.015, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 18.71.315, 18.71.360, 18.71C.010, 18.79.040, 18.79.060, 18.79.260, 18.79.270, 18.89.020, 18.130.020, 18.130.410, 18.134.010, 18.250.010, 18.360.010, 28A.210.090, 41.05.177, 41.05.180, 43.70.110, 43.70.442, 43.70.470, 46.19.010, 46.19.080, 46.61.506, 46.61.508, 48.20.392, 48.20.393, 48.21.225, 48.21.227, 48.43.835, 48.44.325, 48.44.327, 48.46.275, 48.46.277, 48.125.200, 51.04.030, 51.08.200, 51.28.010, 51.28.020, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 69.41.030, 69.45.010, 69.50.101, 69.51A.010, 70.05.035, 70.30.061, 70.41.210, 70.41.230, 70.46.020, 70.46.031, 70.47.210, 70.54.400, 70.128.120, 70.180.005, 70.180.009, 70.180.020, 70.180.030, 70.180.040, 70.225.040, 70.245.010, 71.05.020, 71.05.148, 71.05.154, 71.05.210, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.05.290, 71.05.300, 71.05.585, 71.06.040, 71.12.540, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.32.260, 71.34.020, 71.34.355, 71.34.720, 71.34.730, 71.34.750, 71.34.755, 71.34.770, 71.34.815, 74.09.010, 74.09.328, 74.09.497, 74.09.725, 74.42.010, 18.51.010, 18.71A.140