Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the use of the titles physician assistant and physician associate
Sponsored by the House Health and Human Services Committee, Rep. Ann Meyer (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: House committeeJanuary 29, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 9, 202690–0
- Skipped: Senate committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 3, 202637–7
- Done: To the GovernorApril 9, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawApril 9, 2026
SF 2190 became law → The same legislation passed as SF 2190, so this version was set aside. Go to SF 2190 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Iowa will change the official job title for physician assistants to physician associates in all state laws. This update does not change what these medical professionals are allowed to do or what their responsibilities are. Licensed workers can still use either title until the new name becomes more common.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the usage of the titles “physician assistant” and “physician associate”. The bill directs the Iowa Code editor to change all references to “physician assistant” throughout the Code and in any Code sections or other noncodified enactments amended or enacted by any other bill to “physician associate”. The bill does not change the rights, responsibilities, or scope of practice of a person licensed as a physician assistant. The bill prohibits a person with a business relationship with a physician assistant from altering that relationship as a result of the title change to “physician associate”. The bill allows a person who qualifies for licensure under Code chapter 148C (physician assistants), and persons licensed under Code chapter 148C, to use the title “physician assistant” or “physician associate” during the time before the use of the title “physician associate” becomes common. The bill requires agencies to update active versions of sub-regulatory guidance, documents, and forms to reflect the changes in the bill by January 1, 2027. The bill allows an agency to submit amendments to the administrative code editor to editorially update references in rules to “physician assistant” to “physician associate”.
Why it matters. Licensed physician assistants may use either the title "physician assistant" or "physician associate" until the new title becomes common. State agencies must update their guidance, documents, and forms to reflect the title change by January 1, 2027, though the rights and responsibilities of these professionals will not change.2
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