Latest News
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). As a companion bill to HB 353, SB 436 is a straightforward piece of legislation that seeks to improve clarity for patients, healthcare organizations, and policymakers alike, without changing PA scope, supervision, or pay.
Announcing the 2026-2027 OAPA Board of Directors and AAPA Delegates
With the recent elections for President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, Student Representative, Regional Director for Regions 3, 4, and 5, and three AAPA Delegates now complete, we are pleased to announce your OAPA volunteer leaders starting July 1, 2026!
Ohio PA Groups Collaborate to Strengthen Advocacy
The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA) and the Ohio Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (OSDPA) announce a new collaborative agreement aimed at strengthening advocacy on behalf of PAs across Ohio. The two organizations will work together to advance shared legislative priorities that support the PA profession and enhance patient care.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared May to be Mental Health Awareness Month. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health offers many resources for you to learn more about mental health and find help when it’s needed most - for your patients, your loved ones, and yourself!
PAEA and AAPA to Challenge Final Rule Excluding PA Students from Professional Degree Status in Court
The PA Education Association (PAEA) and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) strongly condemn the U.S. Department of Education’s final rule defining professional degree programs, which excludes PA students from classification as professional students. If not reversed, beginning July 1, PA students will be limited to annual federal loans set at $20,500, a cap that falls far short of tuition alone.
Upcoming Events
Sat
9
2026
May 9, 2026
8:30AM - 10:30AM
Community Festival and Walk for the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Join Team OAPA in-person or virtually to build community and celebrate inclusion!
Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
Sat
9
2026
May 9, 2026
9:00AM - 10:30AM EDT
OAPA Q&A with PA Leaders Across Ohio
New grads + students: get the inside scoop from Ohio PA leaders
Zoom (link to be provided upon registration)
Wed
13
2026
May 13, 2026
6:00PM - 8:00PM EST
OAPA Region 6 & 7 Dinner with Megha Gandhi, PharmD
Learn from Sanofli about their new immuno modulators in the respiratory and dermatology space
Bravo Italian Kitchen, West Chester
