Relating to the use of the titles physician assistant and physician associate

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”.