Bill
Bill > HB2127
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT Relating to changing the legal title for physician 2 assistants to physician associates, including providing clarification 3 for billing and administrative terminology; amending RCW 18.71A.010, 4 18.71A.030, 18.71A.045, 18.71A.050, 18.71A.060, 18.71A.085, 5 18.71A.090, 18.71A.100, 18.71A.110, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.800, 6 18.71A.810, 18.71A.820, 4.24.240, 7.68.030, 7.70.020, 9.02.110, 7 9.02.130, 9.02.170, 9.41.010, 9.97.020, 10.77.575, 11.130.290, 8 11.130.390, 11.130.615, 18.16.260, 18.50.005, 18.50.115, 18.57.040, 9 18.59.100, 18.71.015, 18.71.030, 18.71.310, 18.71.315, 18.71.360, 10 18.71C.010, 18.79.040, 18.79.060, 18.79.260, 18.79.270, 18.89.020, 11 18.130.020, 18.130.410, 18.134.010, 18.250.010, 18.360.010, 12 28A.210.090, 41.05.177, 41.05.180, 43.70.110, 43.70.442, 43.70.470, 13 46.19.010, 46.19.080, 46.61.506, 46.61.508, 48.20.392, 48.20.393, 14 48.21.225, 48.21.227, 48.43.835, 48.44.325, 48.44.327, 48.46.275, 15 48.46.277, 48.125.200, 51.04.030, 51.08.200, 51.28.010, 51.28.020, 16 51.28.100, 51.36.010, 69.41.030, 69.45.010, 69.50.101, 69.51A.010, 17 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.30.061, 70.41.210, 70.41.230, 70.46.020, 18 70.46.031, 70.47.210, 70.54.400, 70.128.120, 70.180.005, 70.180.009, 19 70.180.020, 70.180.030, 70.180.040, 70.225.040, 70.245.010, 20 71.05.020, 71.05.020, 71.05.148, 71.05.154, 71.05.210, 71.05.215, 21 71.05.217, 71.05.230, 71.05.290, 71.05.300, 71.05.585, 71.06.040, 22 71.12.540, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.32.260, 71.34.020, 23 71.34.020, 71.34.355, 71.34.720, 71.34.730, 71.34.750, 71.34.755, HB 2127 1 71.34.770, 71.34.815, 74.09.010, 74.09.328, 74.09.497, 74.09.725, 2 74.42.010, and 74.42.230; amending 2021 c 170 s 1 (uncodified); 3 reenacting and amending RCW 18.71A.020, 46.19.010, 69.41.010, and 4 71.05.660; adding a new section to chapter 41.05 RCW; adding a new 5 section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 6 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 18.71A.140; providing 7 effective dates; providing contingent effective dates; providing an 8 expiration date; and providing contingent expiration dates. 9
AI Summary
This bill would change the legal title of physician assistants to physician associates, a change recommended by the American Academy of Physician Associates to better reflect their professional role and contributions. The bill would systematically update references to "physician assistant" to "physician associate" across numerous Washington state laws and regulations, including healthcare, licensing, mental health, and insurance statutes.
Specifically, the bill aims to:
1. Modernize terminology to better represent the professional identity and responsibilities of physician associates
2. Update all state laws, regulations, and administrative documents to use the new term
3. Ensure a smooth transition by allowing "physician assistant" and "physician associate" to be used interchangeably during an initial transition period
4. Make technical amendments to various sections of the Revised Code of Washington to reflect the new terminology
The bill would require state agencies, health plans, medical facilities, and other relevant organizations to update their materials, contracts, and communications to reflect the new term. The transition period would allow for gradual implementation without disrupting existing healthcare services or administrative processes.
The changes are intended to align with national professional standards and better communicate the advanced training, collaborative role, and essential contributions of these healthcare professionals within medical teams.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (7)
Matt Marshall (R)*,
Rob Chase (R),
Jenny Graham (R),
Dan Griffey (R),
Lisa Parshley (D),
Suzanne Schmidt (R),
Brianna Thomas (D),
Last Action
First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. (on 01/12/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2127&Year=2025&Initiative=false |
| BillText | https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2127.pdf |
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