06/21/2025
This Month in OAPA Government Affairs: 3 Key Updates
Here are three key updates you need to know to about PA advocacy in Ohio...
House Bill 353, which seeks to update the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate, was formally introduced in the Ohio House by Representatives Brian Lampton and Gayle Manning on June 11.
The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants wants to join Oregon, Maine, and New Hampshire in passing title change into law. HB 353 is a straightforward bill that proposes updating the term "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout the Ohio Revised Code. This change aims to improve clarity for patients, healthcare organizations, and policymakers.
Take a minute to learn more about this important initiative here.
As HB 96, the biennial state budget, proceeded through the Ohio House and Senate, OAPA remained actively monitoring its progress.
We collaborated with key legislators and stakeholder groups to advocate for provisions that support the PA profession. OAPA provided in-person testimony to the Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee in support of a preceptor tax incentive.
Although the Preceptor Tax Credit amendment was not accepted into the budget, we will continue to identify ways to support PA preceptors and PA programs in the future.
OAPA invites you to join the Ohio PA community at the iconic Ohio Statehouse for an impactful day!
OAPA is excited to bring back our PA Advocacy Day, during which PAs, educators, and students convene to celebrate, support, and advance the profession with Ohio lawmakers. We welcome all in the Ohio PA community, whether you have been practicing for decades or are just starting your didactic year of PA school. There is no fee to attend, but advance registration is required.
Please check the full schedule, review the FAQs, and make the commitment to attend today - learn more here!
Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, is the Government Affairs Committee Chair of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants.
The Government Affairs Committee supports the profession through advancing PA legislative priorities and removing barriers to practice. Please consider sharing your story about how PA practice law impacts you and providing financial support to advance PA advocacy via the OAPA Legislative Fund.