Bill > LD1166

This bill changes the professional title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout Maine state law, updating licensing requirements and professional regulations accordingly. The bill modifies existing statutes to replace "physician assistant" with "physician associate" while maintaining the same licensing and practice standards. Key provisions include allowing currently licensed physician assistants to continue using their existing title during their current license term, but requiring them to transition to the new "physician associate" title upon license renewal. The bill specifies that licensed individuals must use the new title "physician associate" or the abbreviation "P.A." and prohibits unlicensed individuals from using these designations. Importantly, the legislation explicitly states that this title change does not expand the scope of practice for these medical professionals, ensuring that their professional responsibilities and capabilities remain unchanged. The bill also preserves existing requirements for education (such as accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant), certification examinations, and ongoing professional standards. Violating the title and practice protection provisions would be considered a Class E crime.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1166&snum=132