10/18/2025

Advocacy in Action: OAPA Testimony on House Bill 353

At 10 a.m. on October 22, 2025, Government Affairs Chair Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, and Committee Member Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, DFAAPA, will provide in-person proponent testimony before the House Health Committee on House Bill 353, Ohio’s legislation to update the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate. Several Ohio PAs also submitted written testimony on their personal behalf to support the bill.

We’re especially proud this testimony coincides with PA Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse.

This is a meaningful moment for the PA profession in Ohio.

Testimony and Advocacy Day will focus on:
• Clarifying who PAs are and the high-quality care we provide
• Supporting patient understanding and recognition of the modern PA role
• Aligning our professional title with our education, training, and responsibilities

There’s still a long journey ahead for HB 353, but we invite anyone interested in this bill or the legislative process to tune in. It’s a valuable opportunity to see advocacy firsthand and better understand how change is made in Ohio.

Watch live at: https://www.ohiochannel.org/
Viewers can click “Live” → “House Session/Committees” and select the House Health Committee at the scheduled time.

Follow all of OAPA's advocacy activities on our legislative page, and reach out to oapa@ohiopa.com with any questions.