05/27/2026

Progress Through Partnership and Persistence

The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants continues to build momentum for the PA profession through both strategic partnerships and ongoing legislative advocacy efforts at the Statehouse.

This month, OAPA and the Ohio Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (OSDPA) announced a new collaborative agreement aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts on behalf of PAs across Ohio.

Through this agreement, the two organizations will work together to advance shared legislative priorities that support the PA profession and improve patient access to high-quality care.

As part of the collaboration, OAPA will provide strategic government affairs expertise and ongoing legislative coordination, while OSDPA will contribute specialty-specific insight and real-world perspectives from dermatology PAs practicing across the state. Together, the organizations are committed to fostering a more unified voice for PAs in Ohio and supporting thoughtful modernization of PA practice.

If you're part of an organization that shares our commitment to advancing the PA profession, we'd love to explore how we might work together. Please reach out to us at oapa@ohiopa.com.

In addition to expanding advocacy partnerships, OAPA is also proud to announce the introduction of Senate Bill 436, sponsored by Senator George Lang, which would update the professional title from “Physician Assistant” to “Physician Associate” throughout the Ohio Revised Code.

SB 436 serves as a companion bill to House Bill 353, which has already received several hearings in the House Health Committee. The legislation represents an important step in modernizing the profession’s title to better reflect the education, responsibilities, and evolving role of PAs in today’s healthcare system. While HB 353 remains pending in the House Health Committee, the introduction of SB 436 demonstrates OAPA’s perseverance and continued commitment to advancing this effort and ensuring the voice of the PA profession continues to be heard at the Statehouse.

Separately, OAPA continues to engage in active discussions about legislation to modernize PA practice in Ohio. This will be our opportunity to address several longstanding priorities for practice advancement, and we will need a strong core of advocates to help drive change. Find out more about how to become an advocate.

OAPA remains committed to advancing legislation and partnerships that strengthen the PA profession, support our members, and improve healthcare access for patients throughout Ohio.

Members are encouraged to stay engaged and share these ongoing advocacy efforts with PA colleagues, students, and friends across Ohio as we continue building momentum for the profession in the months ahead.

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 or OAPA Political Action Committee.

Keep up with the latest on our advocacy page, or contact us at oapa@ohiopa.com.