12/10/2024

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: OAPA Gives Further Interested Party Testimony on SB 196

The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants tirelessly advocates for Ohio PAs, including raising our hand for PAs to be included in legislation that advances quality, cost-effective, and accessible healthcare.

Senate Bill 196 (SB196) passed the Ohio Senate in June and is in the Ohio House Health Provider Services Committee. With the end of the General Assembly fast approaching, OAPA is closely watching which pieces of legislation may make it to Governor DeWine's desk before the signing deadline. SB 196 is an example of legislation that could move, but that OAPA believes should be amended to include PAs prior to passage.

Previously, OAPA Past President Matthew Freado testified on this bill to the Senate Health Committee in May 2024, stating:

"This law is a prime example of a straightforward approach to significantly enhancing efficiency in patient care and hospital administration. PAs possess the training and experience to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients. Therefore, this bill should be amended to allow PAs to sign patient care forms, similar to our APRN colleagues."

He added his voice again on December 10 on behalf of Ohio PAs, with his new testimony to the House Health Provider Services Committee further outlining the difference in education and training for PAs compared to APRNs, adding:

"This contrast is mentioned only in that it should allay any concerns that PAs lack the necessary training for the universal signature authority contemplated by S.B. 196...Like APRNs, PAs diagnose and treat patients. Not allowing PAs to also sign forms...creates unnecessary delays and maintains current inefficiencies in patient care and administration."

As decisions are made regarding the authority of healthcare providers to efficiently and effectively care for patients, OAPA pushes to empower PAs at every turn. One example is our legislative win on SB81, a bill that included PAs among other advance practice providers to permit their signature on documents related to hospital patient admission, treatment, and discharge. OAPA will continue this important work during what remains of this legislative session, and the opportunities to come as the new 136th Ohio General Assembly is seated in January 2025.

To further help us advance PA practice through government advocacy, please support the OAPA Legislative Fund!