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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

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

License and exam rules for physician associates

The law requires a license from the Board of Osteopathic Licensure or the Board of Licensure in Medicine to practice as a physician associate. To qualify, you must complete an accredited program and pass the national certifying exam. You must show current clinical skill, have no active disciplinary actions, file the board application, and pass any board‑approved test. Licenses renew every two years with the issuing board. The two boards adopt joint rules on applications, education, collaboration and practice agreements, notices, temporary licenses, and continuing education.

Delegating tasks to support staff

A licensed physician associate may delegate some care tasks to employees or team members if those tasks do not need their own license. The physician associate must keep control, ensure proper training, and make sure work is done safely. The physician associate stays legally responsible for delegated tasks.

Caps on physician associate license fees

The initial license application fee is capped at $300. The renewal fee is capped at $250 every two years. You cannot be charged more than these amounts by the boards for these events.

Title rules and no scope expansion

Only people licensed under this law may represent themselves as a “physician associate” or use “P.A.” A person who meets the training and exam qualifications but lacks a current license may use the title but may not practice. Those licensed as “physician assistants” on the law’s effective date may use either title until renewal, then must switch. Violations are a Class E crime. The law does not expand clinical scope beyond what physician assistants could already do.

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

    5/1/2026

  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

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