SSB 3059: Relating to the use of the titles physician assistant and physician associate

What it does

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”.

Senate subcommittee · named January 26, 2026

• Sen. Kara Warme (R) · kara.warme@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mark Costello (R) · mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D) · sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 1 against

For: Des Moines University; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Physician Assistant Society

Against: Central Iowa Physicians

In plain words

1. January 22, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. January 26, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Warme, Costello and Trone Garriott
3. January 29, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 3, 2026Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2190