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Bill > S4094
NJ S4094
NJ S4094Revises statutory law to change title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate."
summary
Introduced
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
In Committee
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill replaces instances of "physician assistant" and its variants in the statutory law of this State to "physician associate" and makes certain technical changes. In May 2021, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), formerly the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the national organization representing physician associates voted to change the title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate." The State's statutory law has been changed to conform to the AAPA's usage of its preferred term. This bill makes additional amendments to N.J.S.A.45:9-27.12 to clarify that this bill does not change any rights or privileges, or the scope of practice, of a person licensed as a physician assistant. The bill also does not make any changes to billing, reimbursement, or payment policies in effect for physician assistants. Any person licensed as a physician assistant as of the effective date of this bill may continue to use the term "physician assistant" until the person seeks licensure renewal, at which time, the person's license shall be renewed with the designation of "physician associate."
AI Summary
This bill changes the title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout New Jersey's statutory law, aligning with a national trend and the preference of the American Academy of Physician Associates. The change is primarily a nomenclature update and does not alter the scope of practice, rights, or privileges of these healthcare professionals. Existing licenses for "physician assistants" will be renewed as "physician associates" upon their next renewal. The bill also clarifies that this title change does not affect billing, reimbursement, or payment policies currently in place for these professionals.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Commerce Hearing (10:00:00 5/18/2026 Committee Room 6, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ) (on 05/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S4094 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4500/4094_I1.HTM |
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