PSPA is excited to announce that we are now the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates!

As a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), we are pleased to take this first step toward updating our profession’s title.

In September 2021, AAPA changed its name following the May 2021 AAPA House of Delegates resolution affirming “physician associate” as the official title of the profession. While our organizational name is changing, for the present time, PAs should continue to use the professional title “physician assistant” or “PA” as their official legal title in a professional capacity, particularly in clinical settings and with patients. Premature use of the new title could result in disciplinary action by the regulatory boards.

Pennsylvania is also seeking legislative changes to the Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Practice Act to officially change the professional title “physician assistant” to “physician associate.” Legislation has been introduced this session to provide the option to use the title “physician associate.”

In the coming weeks, you will be contacted and asked to reach out to your legislators to garner support for this change. It is critical that the legislators understand who PAs are, our education and expertise, and our role in patient care. This change in title will add clarity to this role on a patient centered care team. Changing the profession’s title does not change what PAs do or impact a PA’s scope of practice.