Oregon Governor Tina Kotek Signs Law Changing PA Title
OSPA President Said Change Will Give Patients Better Understanding of PA Responsibilities
April 5, 2024
In March, the Oregon State Legislature passed a bill that included a variety of healthcare provisions, including changing the title of “physician assistants” to “physician associates.”
Yesterday, Governor Tina Kotek signed the legislation – making Oregon the first state in the country to adopt title change!
Oregon Society of Physician Associates (OSPA) President Alisa Gifford, PA-C, said passage of this legislation builds on work that OSPA has championed in recent years to modernize the way PAs practice medicine in Oregon.
“Over the past year, OSPA leadership has been working hard to advocate for this important change,” Gifford said.
“We’ve had countless meetings with legislators to ensure they understand the vital role our profession plays in the healthcare system and the need for a title that better reflects this role. Thanks to the passage of House Bill 4010, PAs will have a title that more accurately reflects our scope of practice and will give patients a better understanding of the important credentials and responsibilities that PAs have within the healthcare system. I hope it helps pave the way for other states to update their title as well.”
Congratulations, OSPA!
View a special message from AAPA President and Chair of the Board Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi, DM, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA.
If you are a PA in Oregon, you may be wondering what happens now and if you can use the title yet. The new law does not take effect until June 6, 2024. Following enactment, the Oregon Medical Board will establish regulations and guidelines. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions.
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