AMA and Other Physician Groups Oppose Rebranding of Physician Assistants
The American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) are opposing the rebranding of physician assistants as “physician associates”. This response comes as a result of the passage of a resolution by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) House of Delegates, officially changing the designation to “physician associate”. The AMA released a statement on their website claiming this recent move will further confuse patients regarding who is providing their care and is “clearly an attempt to advance their pursuit toward independent practice”. The AMA believes this decision is contradictory to state laws and will be working with state and other physician specialty societies to address the implementation of this change in state or federal policy.
According to Susan R. Bailey, AMA President, “We remain strongly committed to supporting physician-led health care teams that use the unique knowledge and valuable contributions of all health care professionals to enhance patient outcomes. It is also what patients want, which is why clarity in health care titles is so important. That is why the AMA has advocated in support of truth in advertising laws and stands in strong opposition to AAPA’s title change.”
To review the article in its entirety, click here. To review the AMA’s statement, click here.
