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Bill

Bill

S 4094

Revises statutory law to change title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Lagana

Renames the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate in statutes, without changing any clinical duties or scope of practice.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4094

Summary of Bill S 4094 (New Jersey, 2026 Session)

Title

Revises statutory law to change title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate.”

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends existing New Jersey law to rename the professional title currently used for certain healthcare providers from “physician assistant” to “physician associate.” The change is intended to reflect evolving roles and terminology in medical teams, while preserving the scope of practice and patient care responsibilities of the professionals affected.

Key Provisions

  • Terminology Change: Replaces occurrences of “physician assistant” with “physician associate” in statutory references.
  • Scope of Practice: The bill does not propose changes to the clinical duties, authorization to practice, supervision requirements, or independent practice status of physician assistants/associates. The change is strictly titular and regulatory nomenclature.
  • Regulatory References: Updates cross-references in statutes, regulatory frameworks, licensure definitions, and related administrative provisions to align with the new title “physician associate.”
  • Legislative Consistency: Ensures that all existing statutes governing certification, licensure, ethical standards, prescribing authority (where applicable), and professional responsibilities remain intact aside from the adjusted title.

Who Is Affected

  • Physician Assistants / Physician Associates: Medical professionals currently practicing under the title “physician assistant” will be re-designated as “physician associate” in statutory text.
  • Employers and Regulators: Hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, professional boards, and state agencies responsible for licensure, credentialing, and regulation will need to reference the new title in forms, licenses, certifications, and public communications.
  • Patients and the Public: No change to patient care practices or access; the renaming does not alter qualifications, supervision, or clinical duties.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: May 4, 2026 (Senate)
  • Referral: Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
  • Next Steps: Committee review and potential floor consideration. If advanced, the bill would require passage by both houses (Senate and Assembly) and signing by the Governor to become law. Implementation would typically follow a defined effective date, with regulatory agencies updating forms and licenses accordingly.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Professional Identity: The shift to “physician associate” may affect branding, professional identity, and public perception, though clinical qualifications and supervision requirements remain unchanged.
  • Administrative Updates: Widespread updates to licensing databases, professional directories, credentialing systems, and patient-facing materials will be necessary to reflect the new terminology.
  • Consistency with Other Jurisdictions: Aligning with terminology used by other states or national bodies may facilitate cross-state practice and collaboration.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison with similar terminology changes in other states or provide a brief FAQ addressing common questions about the name change.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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