Title Change goes into effect September 24, 2025!
Posted about 10 hours ago by Kathleen Moneghan
This announcement has 1 attachment:
Maine PA Title Change FAQs: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1166&snum=132
LD 1166 changes the “Physician Assistant" title to “Physician Associate" throughout Maine statute becoming law on June 16, 2025 and taking effect on September 24, 2025. Maine is the second state to adopt this PA title change.
When can a Maine-licensed PA start to use the title “Physician Associate" in Maine? On September 24, 2025, the title “Physician Assistant" will change to “Physician Associate" throughout Maine law by operation of LD 1166. At that time, a PA may begin using the title “Physician Associate" in their Maine practice. The bill does not require the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine (BOLIM) or the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure (BOL) to take any specific action before a PA can start using “Physician Associate". The Maine Academy of Physician Associates (MEAPA) suggests a PA align with their employer's/facility's implementation plans.
When will BOLIM and BOL reflect this title change? It will take several months to fully reflect this title change in BOLIM and BOL’s informational materials and regulations. Please visit each their respective websites for updates they may have.
Does the title change impact a PA's scope of practice? No. The PA title change is not substantive and does not impact any component of a PA's practice or scope of practice in Maine.
Can a Maine PA licensed in other states use the title “Physician Associate" outside of Maine? The Maine law only changes the title for PAs licensed and practicing in Maine. Check the other state's licensing board for PA title requirements in that state.
How should health care facilities make the PA title change? The Licensing boards do not regulate facilities and cannot direct facilities on implementation of LD 1166. The Licensing boards cannot provide legal advice, and facilities may need to seek their own legal counsel regarding the PA title change. PAs and the public may direct any questions or concerns directly to the health care facility.
Can Maine PAs continue to use the title “Physician Assistant" in Maine practice? LD 1166 does leave reference to “physician assistant” and states in Section 3 “Wherever in the Maine Revised Statutes the words "physician assistant" appear or reference is made to those words, those words are amended to read "physician associate" and the Revisor of Statutes shall implement this revision when updating, publishing or republishing the statutes”. The usage of the title “physician assistant” is accommodated until license renewal for both osteopathic and allopathic boards. Other state and national regulations (e.g. DEA) continue to reference “Physician Assistant." PAs in Maine should be aware of the difference in Maine law from other state and federal regulations and take care to ensure patients understand the role of each member in their care team.
Is there a deadline by which Maine-licensed PAs must begin using the title “Physician Associate" in Maine practice? There is no implementation timeline or deadline to stop using the “Physician Assistant" title; however, the statutory changes to begin using “Physician Associate” are effective September 24, 2025.