Story perspectives

States Rename Physician Assistants to Reflect Growing Roles

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oregon, New Hampshire, and Maine have adopted the term "physician associate" for physician assistants to reflect expanding responsibilities.
The number of physician assistants has quadrupled since 2000.
The American Academy of Physician Associates says the term "assistant" may undermine physician assistants' professional status.
In Idaho, nurse anesthetists can market themselves as "nurse anesthesiologists," but the title is not part of official practice.

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Story summary

Oregon, New Hampshire, and Maine have adopted the term "physician associate" for physician assistants to reflect expanding responsibilities.
The number of physician assistants has quadrupled since 2000.
The American Academy of Physician Associates says the term "assistant" may undermine physician assistants' professional status.
In Idaho, nurse anesthetists can market themselves as "nurse anesthesiologists," but the title is not part of official practice.