05/06/2026

SB 436 Adds Momentum to Ohio’s PA Title Change Effort

OAPA is proud to announce the introduction of Senate Bill 436 updating the professional title from Physician Assistant to Physician Associate, sponsored by Senator George Lang (R-West Chester).

Senate Bill 436 will serve as a companion to House Bill 353, which has had several hearings in the House Health Committee. As a companion bill in the Senate, SB 436 helps build momentum on the importance of updating the title for the PA profession.

Like HB 353, SB 436 is a straightforward bill that proposes updating the term "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout the Ohio Revised Code.

This change modernizes the title of the Physician Associate profession. It improves clarity for patients, healthcare organizations, and policymakers alike, without changing PA scope, supervision, or pay.

OAPA is proud to be actively advancing this change in the Buckeye State. As a constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Associates, OAPA is working alongside national partners to ensure that our title reflects the education, responsibilities, and vital contributions of the PA profession in modern healthcare.

Please read on to learn more about all of OAPA's Title Change efforts and to find out how you can get involved!