09/23/2025
Why Do Ohio PAs Need a Title Change?
Ohio House Bill 353 seeks to update the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate in Ohio law.
This change is intended to enhance clarity for patients, healthcare organizations, and policymakers.
To illustrate the importance of this change, OAPA collected testimonials from PAs across the state, highlighting the issues that HB 353 aims to address. Here are a few highlights - see them all on OAPA's YouTube channel!
PA Title Change: Setting the Record Straight
HB 353 is a straightforward, nonpartisan effort to bring Ohio’s laws in line with the current realities of medical practice. This legislation does not change the scope of practice for PAs. It does not expand PA authority or alter supervision requirements. Instead, HB 353 updates outdated language to more accurately reflect how PAs are educated, trained, and already working in healthcare settings across the state.
Let’s address some common myths and clarify the facts surrounding this important update.
Myth: Patients will be confused if PAs are called associates instead of assistants.
Fact: Research shows patients already understand that PAs are not physicians, but they are unclear about what PAs are, exactly. "Associate" more accurately reflects PA education, training, and team-based role to build patient confidence in the level of care they are receiving.
Myth: Associate implies PAs are equal to physicians.
Fact: In many professions, ‘associate’ connotes a worker with a higher level of knowledge or training than an ‘assistant’. The term ‘associate’ more accurately describes the current state of PA education and practice without implying equivalence to physicians.
Myth: This is just a marketing ploy.
Fact: The outdated "assistant" title inaccurately describes PAs' role, discourages recruitment, and undervalues their contribution to healthcare delivery. The new title improves accuracy and public understanding, not marketing.
Myth: Implementation will be too costly and disruptive.
Fact: Title updates are one-time adjustments. Other professions have modernized titles with minimal disruption (e.g., "chiropodist" to "podiatrist," "nurse clinician" to "nurse practitioner"). Long-term benefits, including accurate recognition, better utilization, and improved workforce retention outweigh short-term administrative costs.
Myth: Changing the title threatens patient safety.
Fact: Patient safety depends on education, certification, and regulation, none of which change with the title. There is no evidence that updating a professional title creates safety risks.
Myth: It undermines physicians.
Fact: PAs remain committed to team-based care. The title change clarifies roles and strengthens collaboration by accurately reflecting what PAs do. It does not diminish the role of physicians.
Bottom Line: The title “Physician Associate” strengthens transparency, accuracy, and patient trust without changing scope of practice or regulation. Opposition arguments are fear-based, not evidence-based.
How You Can Help Today
Here are two easy, but important, ways that you can help advance HB 353:
- Spread the news! Share the link to this page and the resources below with your work colleagues, your professional network, even your family and friends. The more Ohioans who understand what PA title change is and why it is important, the better!
- Tell us your story. How has the title "physician assistant" caused confusion with your patients? If you have experienced practice limitations that impact your ability to provide care, whether related to title change or another legislative barrier, please complete this form to share your story.
Title Change Resources
PA Title Change in Ohio One-Pager
Ohio PA Profession Infographic
Learn more: