Senate Scope Omnibus Bill Includes Physician Assistant Title Change

March 26, 2026

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee discussed SF 3298 on March 25, the scope of practice omnibus bill, which includes a provision that would change the statutory title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate.”  

The MMA joined six specialty societies in opposing the legislation, highlighting that it would add confusion and could mislead patients. The MMA also argued that, in most professional settings, the term “associate” represents a peer or someone with equal training and responsibility.  

Compared to physician assistants, physicians complete several years of rigorous education and clinical training, including medical school, residency, and sometimes fellowship. Physician assistants typically complete about two to three years of education in a PA program. The MMA clarified that both roles are valuable, but they are not interchangeable, and patients deserve transparency about those differences.   

In addition, all but three states use the term “physician assistant.” Only Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon have adopted the term “physician associate.” As a result, patients receiving care across state lines may encounter different titles for the same role, leading to confusion and misperceptions about qualifications or scope of practice. 

MMA President Lisa Mattson, MD, testified in opposition of SF 3298, stating: “Patients already struggle to understand who is providing care. A 2024 study commissioned by the American Medical Association found that 22% of patients believed physician assistants were medical doctors. That is more than one in five patients. When patients do not understand who is treating them, it affects their ability to give informed consent, their trust in the care team, and their expectations about training and expertise.” 

Past MMA President Laurel Ries, MD, a family medicine physician, also testified in support of SF 3298. She emphasized how confusing this change would be to her patients and how it could further blur the distinctions between different members of the care team. Making it harder for patients to clearly understand the training, qualifications, and roles of those involved in their care. 

SF 3298, including the provision that would change the statutory title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate” was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on March 26. It is the final committee stop before going to the Senate floor for a vote. 

The House companion, HF 88 (Reyer – DFL), has not been heard in committee. 

To reach out to your legislator on this and other critical patient safety issues, you may do so through the MMA’s Action Alert system here.