Relating to: adopting the title of physician associate for physician assistants, independent practice of certain physician associates, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE)

SB 435 updates the official title for physician assistants to "physician associate" across all relevant state laws and licensing rules. It allows certain physician associates to practice independently without direct physician supervision, while also creating new provisions for their credentialing board. The bill extends time limits for emergency rule procedures and provides exemptions from those procedures for specific regulatory actions. These changes directly affect licensed physician associates, their employers, and the state's medical credentialing board. The policy shifts terminology to "physician associate" and expands practice authority for qualified professionals.