Latest News

"Novel Approaches to Treating Common Tendinopathies" with Christopher Rupprecht, MSHS, MA, PA-C: 2024 OAPA Annual Conference Speaker Feature

PAs help patients get on their feet and back to the activities they love. Join us at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference for "Novel Approaches to Treating Common Tendinopathies." Learn more about the session presenter, Christopher Rupprecht, MSHS, MA, PA-C, in this speaker feature!

Legislative VICTORY: PA Compact Signed Into Ohio Law

SB 28, the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact bill, has been signed into Ohio law by Governor Mike DeWine. This legislation represents an expansion of PA authority to help improve access to quality, cost-effective, accessible health care. Ohio now joins 12 other states, with more to come, who are promoting licensure portability to better support the PA workforce.

"How to Stay Healthy as a Busy PA" with Stephanie Whitling, PA-C: 2024 OAPA Annual Conference Speaker Feature

The PA profession is both rewarding and demanding. Join us at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference to learn "How to Stay Healthy as a Busy PA." Learn more about the session presenter, Stephanie Whitling, PA-C, in this speaker feature!

OAPA Launches RFP Process for Lobbying Services

OAPA is the legislative advocate for the PA profession in Ohio, working to eliminate barriers so that every Ohio PA may practice at the top of their license. The OAPA Board of Directors has the fiduciary duty to evaluate OAPA's current lobbying arrangement and consider alternatives and is announcing the opening of an RFP process.

CME Webinar: 2024 Reimbursement Update & Refresher

Saturday, August 10, from 10-11 a.m.

Join us as Clayton Rotuno, PA-C, discusses billing, coding, reimbursement, and the legal framework within which PAs can seek reimbursement for the services they provide to patients.

All Fun & Games at the 2024 PA OlymPAcs

OAPA's annual field day style event bringing together PA students from around the state of Ohio in friendly competition to raise funds for worthy causes took place on June 29, 2024, at Ohio Dominican University. Find out which program walked away with this year's gold medal!

Legislative VICTORY: PAs Granted Access as Authorized Signers in SB81

Senate Bill 81 was signed into law by Governor DeWine in June 2024 and will take effect in September 2024. This law includes PAs among other advanced practice providers to permit their signature on specific documents related to admission, discharge, and treatment of patients.

2024 Pharmacology On-Demand Content

This 12 credit, on-demand CME program covering myriad areas of pharmacology for PA practice is now available for purchase!

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: PA Licensure Compact (SB 28) Heads to Governor's Desk

Senate Bill 28, the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact bill, has passed the Ohio House with a vote of 93-2! The legislation now moves on to Governor DeWine's desk for signing into law.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: OAPA Submits Written Opponent Testimony on HB 102

HB102 proposes to establish licensure for advanced practice respiratory therapists. OAPA submitted written testimony against the bill, seeking to eliminate outdated policies that limit PAs from providing comprehensive health services that could help to address the provider shortage for people with cardiopulmonary disease.

Supreme Court Upholds Patient and PA Prescribing Rights in Mifepristone Case

The United States Supreme Court recently overturned a Fifth Circuit ruling that placed restrictions on mifepristone, including stripping away PA prescribing rights. AAPA and other national association had joined an amicus brief earlier this year to defend the rights of patients and PAs.

Nominations Now Open: 2024 OAPA Awards

Excellence is meant to be celebrated! OAPA is pleased to announce the opening of our awards nominations for 2024. We offer several distinct opportunities to honor and celebrate PAs and other individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to advancing the PA profession.

APPLY NOW: 2024 OAPA Student Scholarships

Ohio PA students are invited to APPLY NOW for our 2024 OAPA Student Scholarships! Recognition is available in three categories: Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, and General Scholarship. These competitive funding opportunities are provided to help support Ohio PA students as they pursue their education.

Call for Posters: 2024 OAPA Annual Conference

OAPA recognizes the importance of promoting research in the PA profession! In response to this demand, we are pleased to provide a platform to display the work of many Ohio PAs and PA students during the OAPA Annual Fall Conference on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel in Westerville, Ohio. Poster submissions are being accepted now through August 15, 2024.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: OAPA Submits Written Opponent Testimony on HB 73

HB73 enables out-of-state providers to selectively intervene in the care of Ohio patients, potentially directing care in ways that may not align with established medical practices, which would force hospital physicians to provide any prescription medication requested by the patient. OAPA President Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, has submitted written testimony against the bill.

Op-Ed: OAPA President Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, on the Realities of Legislative Progress, Why It Matters, and How You Can Help

OAPA’s vision is for Ohio to be the premier state for PAs. However, the past year has underscored the numerous legislative barriers that must be overcome to achieve this goal. Here are the challenges we face, and why your participation matters.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: OAPA Gives Opponent Testimony on SB 60

Senate Bill 60 seeks to create a new health care profession, License Certified Mental Health Assistant, that may negatively affect PA practice. Michell McDiffett, OAPA Vice President and a psychiatric PA-C, testified against the bill.

Houston, Here We Come! OAPA Delegates to Represent Ohio PAs at the National Level

Before the AAPA conference begins this week, the 2024 AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) will convene to review and adopt proposed resolutions that impact AAPA governance and operations and the broader PA profession. OAPA is proud to have 9 members representing our organization in Houston in the HOD.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: OAPA Gives Interested Party Testimony on SB 196

Senate Bill 196 regarding global signature authority for APRNs had a 3rd hearing in the Senate Health Committee on May 8. OAPA President Matthew Freado gave interested party testimony, seeking the addition of PAs to this bill.

On-Demand CME: COPD Pharmacology and Updates on Treatment

This one hour, on-demand CME program takes a deep dive into COPD Pharmacology and Updates on Treatment with Dr. Stephanie Zampino, PharmD, BCPS. The program includes a review of the pharmacotherapeutic options for COPD, approach for managing a patient with COPD, and important GOLD guideline updates.

On the Legislative Front

OAPA continues its quest to remove barriers to PA practice. Our current priorities for the State of Ohio are outlined on our Advocacy web page. If you haven't visited lately, take a look! Be sure to also follow along with our Latest News, which occasionally has relevant stories from the federal level, including a recent post about AAPA's Amicus Brief on the Mifepristone Case.

The OAPA Challenge Bowl is Back!

Saturday, March 16, 2024