House approves changing 'physician assistant' title to 'physician associate'

The Iowa House on March 9 passed Senate File 2190, revising the professional title from "physician assistant" to "physician associate." Representative Jones, who presented the bill on the floor, said the change "conforms to the surrounding states." Representative Brown Powers praised the University of Iowa's physician assistant program and urged support, calling it a "good bill."

The bill was read for the final time and the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The clerk reported 89 ayes, 0 noes and 11 absent; the chair declared the bill passed and the title agreed to.

Supporters said the title change removes a naming mismatch with neighboring states and affirms the training and contribution of physician assistants in Iowa’s health-care system. The measure was ordered messaged to the Senate without objection. The House then moved on to additional business.