HB 2127
In CommitteeHouse
Physician assistants/title
Changing the legal title for physician assistants to physician associates.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill changes the official legal title for physician assistants to 'physician associate' in Washington state law to better reflect their education, training, and collaborative role in health care. It requires state agencies, health plans, and health care facilities to update all official materials, contracts, and communications to use the new title, while allowing both terms to be used interchangeably during a transition period. The bill amends over 50 existing statutes to reflect the new title and repeals one outdated provision.
- Changes the legal professional title from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' in state law.
- Requires state agencies (e.g., Department of Health, Health Care Authority), health plans, and managed care organizations to update all official materials, contracts, and communications to use 'physician associate'.
- Allows the terms 'physician assistant' and 'physician associate' to be used interchangeably during a transition period until the full name change is completed.
- Amends over 50 existing statutes to replace 'physician assistant' with 'physician associate' in legal definitions, scope-of-practice rules, billing provisions, and licensing requirements.
- Repeals RCW 18.71A.140, which dealt with licenses issued under the former osteopathic physician assistant program.
- Sets an effective date of June 30, 2027, and a contingent expiration date for section 58 (related to special parking privileges) of October 1, 2035.
Who is affected
- Physician associates (formerly physician assistants) — They will be required to use the new title 'physician associate' in professional licensing, clinical documentation, billing, and administrative communications, though both terms may be used interchangeably during the transition period.
- Health plans and insurers — They must update all contracts, forms, insurance documents, and internal communications to use 'physician associate' instead of 'physician assistant'.
- State agencies (e.g., Department of Health, Health Care Authority) — They must revise internal rules, licensing materials, and official communications to use 'physician associate'.
- Hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities — They may need to update job descriptions, billing systems, and credentialing files to reflect the new title.
- Patients and the general public — They may be affected by updated billing and administrative processes as health systems transition to the new title.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
The bill updates the professional title from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' to better reflect the education, training, and collaborative role of these providers. This change aligns with national standards and may improve public understanding of their scope of practice, potentially enhancing patient trust and reducing confusion in clinical settings.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1The bill allows both terms to be used interchangeably during a transition period, ensuring continuity in patient care and minimizing disruption to billing, clinical documentation, and administrative processes. This mitigates potential confusion for patients and providers during the name change.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 2, 3, 4The bill amends over 50 statutes to replace 'physician assistant' with 'physician associate' in legal definitions, scope-of-practice rules, billing provisions, and licensing requirements. This ensures consistency across state law and clarifies the role of physician associates in the healthcare system.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 5-120
Potential Concerns (2)
The bill requires state agencies, health plans, and facilities to update all official materials, contracts, and communications to use 'physician associate' instead of 'physician assistant'. This imposes administrative and operational costs on these entities as they transition to the new title.
HealthcareRef: Sec. 2, 3, 4Section 58, which dealt with special parking privileges for individuals with disabilities, is repealed and will expire on October 1, 2035. This removes a benefit for people with disabilities, potentially increasing transportation barriers for them.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 58 (repealed)
Who Is Most Affected
They will benefit from improved professional recognition and alignment with national standards, potentially enhancing their credibility and scope of practice. However, they may face short-term administrative costs in updating licenses, business cards, and signage.
They will benefit from reduced administrative burden and confusion in billing and contracting, as the new title better reflects the collaborative nature of the role. However, they may face short-term costs in updating systems and training staff.
They will benefit from updated licensing and regulatory frameworks that align with current practice standards. However, they may face short-term administrative costs in revising rules and internal communications.
They may benefit from improved clarity in credentialing and billing processes, but may face short-term costs in updating job descriptions, billing systems, and internal communications.
They may benefit from improved understanding of the provider's role, but may experience minor confusion during the transition period. The repeal of Section 58 (parking privileges) may negatively impact patients with disabilities.