Navigating the PA title change

FigureFigureThree years into the decision to change the PA title, the most common question AAPA leadership continues to receive from PAs and other stakeholders is: When can we use physician associate? With several states poised to introduce title change legislation in 2025, following Oregon's groundbreaking legislation this year, it is vital to keep all stakeholders apprised of statutory changes. That said, there are appropriate ways for employers and PAs to embrace the new title in the current environment. To gain widespread acceptance and use, we as a profession must embrace the term and begin to normalize its use. This can come in many forms, such as using associate or associate/assistant in written form when appropriate. Examples include scholarly articles, op-eds, testimonies, and academic papers. For those who are affiliated with PA programs, ask about the process to change your program's name. Use associate in conversations and introductions. Assistant does not appropriately reflect our role in the healthcare system and continues to perpetuate a false perception to various stakeholders. This fall, AAPA provided updated guidance on the use of associate to ensure that uncertainty does not hinder the progress we are making to secure this historical shift for our profession. AAPA is continuing to promote this information widely to PAs and others in the healthcare community. AAPA's guidance to PAs, available on aapa.org, states that PAs may use the title physician associate at their own discretion subject to the following: Follow applicable state laws and policies. PAs are encouraged to review applicable state laws and regulations and/or consult with legal counsel before using the title physician associate in patient-facing, clinical settings. PAs also should comply with all employer and healthcare facility policies, licensing board policies, third-party payer agreements, grant funding and contractual representations, malpractice insurance requirements, ethics standards, publisher expectations, and other legal obligations. Be aware of badging, identification, notification, and advertising requirements. I feel that this updated language goes a long way toward clearing up some of the confusion and hesitation over the previous guidance that was offered. I urge PAs to engage with their state chapters in advocacy efforts to educate stakeholders on why our profession is changing our title and how doing so will lead to stronger patient understanding of PA care. Closing out 2024, I also want to acknowledge the 20 constituent organizations and several PA programs that have changed their organization name to date. This is an essential first step to title change, and I am encouraged to know that many other organizations are in the process of making this change as well. Although each state's road to title change will be different—and we certainly have a long way to go—we are well on our way.