Physician Assistants Seek New 'Associate' Title and More Independence

The push for a name change and expanded role for PAs faces pushback from the medical establishment

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Physician assistants (PAs) are seeking to change their title to 'physician associate' in several states, reflecting their growing role in healthcare as the number of PAs has quadrupled since 2000 amid a shortage of doctors. The name change is part of PAs' push for more independence and less oversight from supervising physicians. However, the American Medical Association opposes the change, arguing it will confuse patients. The debate highlights the evolving relationship between PAs and doctors as PAs take on more responsibilities.

Why it matters

The PA title change and push for more autonomy is part of a broader debate over the expanding role of non-physician healthcare providers. As the number of PAs has grown rapidly, they are seeking greater recognition and authority, which has led to clashes with the medical establishment represented by the AMA. The outcome of this debate could impact patient access to care, especially in underserved areas, as well as the future division of responsibilities between PAs and doctors.

The details

PAs are licensed medical professionals who can perform a range of patient care duties, including prescribing medicine, under the supervision of a doctor. In Oregon, New Hampshire and Maine, PA now stands for 'physician associate,' and other states may follow. Proponents say the 'associate' title better reflects the PA's evolving role, while critics argue it will confuse patients. Many states have also loosened requirements for physician supervision of PAs, allowing them more independence. However, the AMA has pushed back, arguing physician-led care is the highest quality.

  • In 2021, Florida changed its laws so that physicians could supervise 10 PAs instead of four.
  • In 2021, the American Academy of Physician Associates changed its own name from the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
  • In 2024, an AMA-commissioned study found that 22% of people thought PAs were 'medical doctors'.

The players

Chantell Taylor

Chief of public affairs and advocacy for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).

Rob Kupec

A Democratic state senator from Minnesota who is pushing for the PA name change in his state.

Christopher Turitzin

Runs a company that matches independent PAs and supervising doctors.

Callie Peters

A PA at an urgent care clinic in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Dr. Caleb Alexander

An epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who has studied the practices of doctors and PAs.

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What they’re saying

“If it's 'physician assistant', even the patient thinks, OK, if you're just assisting, then when's the real provider going to get here?”

— Chantell Taylor, Chief of public affairs and advocacy for the AAPA (The New York Times)

“We have a shortage of doctors and of highly trained professionals. There are people that have, maybe, not the same level of education, but have the ability to do some of these things.”

— Rob Kupec, Democratic state senator from Minnesota (The New York Times)

“The more work those rules require, the higher the fees physicians tend to charge.”

— Christopher Turitzin, Runs a company that matches independent PAs and supervising doctors (The New York Times)

“I'm frequently asked, 'When are you going to finish your schooling and become a doctor?' The answer is, of course, never.”

— Callie Peters, PA at an urgent care clinic in Hillsboro, Oregon (The New York Times)

“Physician-led care, with its more extensive training, is the highest quality of care for patients.”

— David H. Aizuss, Chair of AMA's board of trustees (The New York Times)

What’s next

This year, New Jersey and Ohio will debate whether to adopt the 'physician associate' title for PAs.

The takeaway

The debate over the PA title change reflects the evolving role of non-physician healthcare providers and the ongoing tension between expanding access to care and maintaining traditional physician authority. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of the healthcare workforce and patient experiences.