In this transcript from a video by Gale&Vallance, Andy Gale—an incorporation attorney at Gale & Vallance in Orange County—explains the current legal rules surrounding the title change debate of physician associate vs physician assistant California. He breaks down the national shift toward the term “physician associate,” the unchanged California Business & Professions Code, and what physician assistants must know when naming or updating their professional corporation or DBA.

To learn more about the rules for physician corporate names and stay compliant, check out our detailed article on physician associate vs physician assistant California.

This transcript is provided for educational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, we strongly recommend contacting a qualified attorney to discuss your specific case.

The Question That Comes Up Often (00:00:12 – 00:00:38)

Hello, I’m Andy Gale, the incorporation attorney with the law offices of Gale & Vallance. Today, I want to address a question that comes up often for physician assistants in California, especially those forming or updating their professional corporations or DBAs. That question is: can you use the term “physician associate” instead of “physician assistant” in your corporate name or business title here in California?

National Shift to “Physician Associate” (00:00:41 – 00:01:05)

As of 2025, the answer is clear under California law. It’s important to know the details before you move forward. In 2021, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, now the American Academy of Physician Associates, voted to adopt “Physician Associate” as the preferred professional title. That change has gained a lot of national attention. But here’s the key: California law has not changed to recognize the term “physician associate.”

California Corporate Naming Rules (00:01:06 – 00:01:38)

In California, corporate naming rules for physician assistants are set by Business and Professions Code section 3543. This law states that the name of a physician assistant corporation, and any name under which it may render professional services, must contain the words “physician assistant” and wording or abbreviations denoting corporate existence. This statute is still enforced today. That means your corporate name must contain the words “physician assistant,” your DBA must follow the same rule, and using “physician associate” in your corporate name or title is not permitted unless the law is amended.

California Physician Assistant Board Guidance (00:01:38 – 00:02:14)

Even though the California Physician Assistant Board is aware of the national title change, the board’s statement makes it clear that it is inappropriate for physician assistants to hold themselves out as “physician associates” until legislative and regulatory changes are made. This ensures clarity and compliance with the current California laws regarding professional titles and corporate naming.

Compliance Implications for Your Corporation (00:02:14 – 00:02:33)

So, what does this mean if you are forming or updating your professional corporation? For now, your corporate name must include “physician assistant” to comply with the law. If you attempt to use “physician associate,” the Secretary of State is likely to reject your filing, and you could risk non-compliance. Compliance is essential to avoid rejected filings and legal issues.

Bottom Line for Physician Assistants (00:02:35 – 00:02:46)

The bottom line is this: as of 2025, California requires “physician assistant” in all corporate names, DBAs, and official titles for physician assistants. Until the law is updated, any use of “physician associate” in California professional corporations or DBAs is prohibited.

Guidance from Andy Gale (00:02:47 – 00:03:10)

If you are considering forming or updating your physician assistant corporation, or if you have questions about naming rules and compliance, we can help. I’m Andy Gale, the incorporation attorney with the law offices of Gale & Vallance. We specialize in forming and maintaining professional corporations here in California. Feel free to reach out to ensure your corporation fully complies with California law.

Physician Associate vs Physician Assistant California (00:03:10 – 00:03:13)

Understanding the distinction between physician associate vs physician assistant California is crucial for anyone forming or updating a professional corporation or DBA in the state. While national organizations have begun shifting terminology, California law remains unchanged, requiring all corporate names and titles to use “physician assistant.” Until the legislature updates the statute, compliance with current naming rules is essential to avoid delays, rejected filings, or regulatory issues.