Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the use of the titles physician assistant and physician associate
Sponsored by the Senate Health and Human Services (companion To Hf 2269 By Committee on Health and Human Services) Committee
Topics:Health care
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 26, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 3, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 3, 202637–7
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 9, 202690–0
- Done: To the GovernorApril 9, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawApril 9, 2026
Signed into law What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
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”.
Read the full explanation
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”.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text · What changed before it passed
Senate subcommittee
Named January 26, 2026 (as SSB 3059). On January 29, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§147.74
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
3 for · 1 against · 8 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
Study bill
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