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MaineLD 1166132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Change the Professional Title and Identification of Physician Assistants to Physician Associates

Sponsored By: Kristen Cloutier (Democratic)

Became Law

HEALTH CARE PERSONNELHEALTH CARE PERSONNEL - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Delegation and liability for physician associates

Starting June 15, 2025, a physician associate can delegate some medical tasks to trained staff under their control. Delegated tasks cannot require a separate license unless the law allows it. The physician associate must ensure staff are competent and safe. The physician associate is legally responsible for delegated work.

Licensing rules and fee caps for physician associates

Starting June 15, 2025, you must hold a physician associate license to practice in Maine. You renew with the same board every two years. To qualify, you must finish an accredited program, pass the national certifying exam, show current clinical skill, have no active discipline, and pass any board exam. The two licensing boards can issue joint rules on applications, practice agreements, continuing education, temporary licenses, and required notices. Fees are capped: up to $300 for the first license and up to $250 for each two‑year renewal.

New title and naming rules for physician associates

Starting June 15, 2025, Maine changes the professional title to “physician associate.” Statutes are updated; some references keep “physician assistant” for accreditation and certification names. People without a license generally may not use the title or “P.A.” People who meet all licensure qualifications but lack a current license may use the title but may not practice. Those licensed as physician assistants on that date may use either title until renewal, then must use “physician associate.” Violations are a Class E crime, and the law does not expand scope of practice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kristen Cloutier

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Anne-Marie Mastraccio

    Democratic • House

  • Cameron D. Reny

    Democratic • Senate

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Trey L. Stewart

    Republican • Senate

  • Joshua Morris

    Republican • House

  • Lori Gramlich

    Democratic • House

  • Lydia Crafts

    Democratic • House

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michele Meyer

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 316

    6/15/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator BAILEY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-304) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-304) in concurrence.

    5/29/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MATHIESON of Kittery, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-304) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-304). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/28/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence

    3/20/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-304), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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