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Bill

A 4958

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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Swain

The bill changes the statutory title from physician assistant to physician associate while preserving current scope of practice and duties.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4958

Bill Summary — New Jersey A-4958 (Session 222)

Basic information

  • Bill number: A-4958
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title/purpose: Revises statutory law to change the title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate.”
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not listed in the prompt; Co-sponsor: Lisa Swain

Main purpose and intent

The bill proposes to revise New Jersey statutory language to replace the term “physician assistant” (PA)” with the term “physician associate” (often abbreviated as “PA” in practice, but redefined in statute). The intended effect is to align the formal title used in state law with a preferred nomenclature for the profession, while preserving existing scope of practice and professional responsibilities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Terminology update: All statutory references that currently use “physician assistant” would be updated to “physician associate.”
  • Scope of practice unchanged (presumed): The bill description indicates a re-titling rather than a broad change to practice authority, clinical duties, or supervision requirements. The substantive clinical authority and supervision framework is generally expected to remain as currently established in law for physician assistants, unless the bill states otherwise.
  • Regulatory and administrative alignment: Updates would likely affect state licensure, regulatory forms, official titles in statutes, and any references in administrative rules or professional guidelines to ensure consistency with the new title.

Who would be affected

  • Practitioners: Individuals currently identified in statute as “physician assistants” would be affected insofar as their formal title in law changes to “physician associate.”
  • Licensing and regulatory bodies: State boards or departments responsible for licensing, renewals, and practice standards would need to update forms, databases, and communications to reflect the new title.
  • Healthcare entities and payors: Hospitals, clinics, and insurers that reference statutory titles in credentialing, contracts, or documentation would adjust terminology to the new title.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would move through the normal legislative process in New Jersey (committee consideration, potential amendments, floor votes, and governor’s signature) as with other statutory changes.
  • No specific dates, sunset provisions, or phased timelines are provided in the summary excerpt. If enacted, regulatory amendments and transitions to the new terminology would typically be phased through a defined effective date set in the final act.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity and branding: The change can reduce confusion about professional identity and align with contemporary professional naming preferences.
  • Interoperability with existing practice laws: Since the core duties and supervision framework are not indicated to change, the practical impact on patient care and team dynamics would likely be minimal beyond terminology.
  • Public and professional communications: Expect updates to licensure portals, professional licensure directories, and formal communications from state agencies and professional organizations.

If you would like, I can pull the exact statutory sections affected, identify any cross-references that need updating, and map a proposed transition timeline once the bill’s text is available.

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

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