Latest News
Reps. Lampton and Manning Provide Sponsor Testimony on HB 353
Ohio House Bill 353 proposes to change the title of the PA profession in Ohio from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate." On October 1, Representatives Brian Lampton and Gayle Manning provided their co-sponsor testimony in support of this straightforward, common sense change. Read the testimony and follow HB 353 through the committee process as OAPA works to advance this legislative priority.
OhioMHAS Officially Becomes "Ohio Department of Behavioral Health"
The future of behavioral healthcare in Ohio is taking a significant step forward today as the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) officially becomes the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). The change, outlined in the state’s operating budget for fiscal years 2026-27, reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Ohioans and aligning with national best practices.
Excellence Rewarded: Meet the 2025 OAPA Award Winners
Outstanding contributions deserve recognition, and OAPA is proud to honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on the PA profession in Ohio. Through excellence in leadership, education, and precepting, this year’s award winners exemplify what it means to elevate the profession. Join us in celebrating the 2025 OAPA Award recipients!
Celebrating the Next Generation: OAPA Reveals 2025 Student Scholarship Winners
The future of the PA profession in Ohio continues to shine. Each year, the OAPA Scholarship Program honors outstanding PA students for their dedication, leadership, and academic excellence while providing meaningful financial support to help them reach the finish line. We’re proud to introduce the 2025 OAPA Scholarship recipients!
Peer-to-Peer Help Now Available through the Ohio Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line (OPPAL)
This program offers Ohio’s primary and emergency care providers with convenient, same-day, peer-to-peer phone consultation with child psychiatrists. It is the culmination of work by the Ohio Departments of Health and Medicaid in partnership with the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center and Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.
Why Do Ohio PAs Need a Title Change?
Ohio House Bill 353 proposes to change the title of the PA profession in Ohio from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate." Hear from PAs across the state in their own words about why they support the PA Title Change.
Bylaws Amendments Pass, Enhancing the OAPA Student Experience for Ohio's Next Generation of PAs
OAPA members voted overwhelmingly in September to pass two student-related Bylaws amendments, extending PA student membership tenure to better cover the transition to practice AND creating a Pre-PA membership category. The new changes are being operationalized over the coming weeks and months. Thank you, voters!
Ohio PA Student Panel Offers Real Talk for Pre-PAs on PA School Life and Applications
The OAPA Membership Committee recently hosted a PA Student Q&A Panel as part of its Pre-PA Virtual Event Series. Designed to support students preparing for PA school and life as a PA student, the event featured panelists from 10 Ohio PA programs who shared diverse perspectives and firsthand advice. Read on for a summary and access to the recording!
Step Up, Represent, and Compete at the 2025 PA Student Challenge Bowl
Attention all students from Ohio’s 17 PA programs...mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23, 2025. The annual OAPA PA Student Challenge Bowl is back, now held in conjunction with the OAPA Annual Conference in Westerville! This fast‑paced, fun, game‑show style competition is your chance to test your clinical knowledge, bond with classmates, meet peers from other programs, and maybe even bring home bragging rights for your school.
AAPA Offers New "Resources for PAs and PA Administrators in a Changing Healthcare Reimbursement Environment"
Do you have reimbursement questions following the enactment of the 2025 Reconciliation Bill? AAPA has prepared a new resource to support PAs and PA administrators with navigating changes in the healthcare reimbursement environment put into effect by the bill.
Be a Voice, Save Lives - Access Ohio's Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Explore how statewide initiatives in Ohio like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local County Suicide Prevention Coalitions are working to prevent suicide and support mental health in our communities. Learn what’s being done, and how you can help.
Ohio's Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C Honored as an AAPA Distinguished Fellow (DFAAPA)
The American Academy of Physician Associates has named their newest cohort of AAPA Distinguished Fellows, and among the honorees is Ohio's Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C! OAPA celebrates the good work of our members and congratulates Melissa on this major professional achievement.
Volunteer with OAPA: Shape the Future of the PA Profession in Ohio
OAPA thrives because of the time, talent, and dedication of our members. As we continue advancing the PA profession in Ohio, we invite you to take the next step in leadership — by volunteering. As a volunteer-lead organization, OAPA is only as strong as the collective effort our members put forth to pursue our vision of Ohio as the premier state for PAs. Please join in the cause today!
Psychiatry PAs Help Meet the Need for Mental Health Care
More than 3,000 PAs nationwide are working in psychiatry, and that number continues to grow. PAs in primary care also provide mental health support as they care for their patients holistically. Learn more about how PAs meet the critical need for mental health care in the American healthcare system.
2025 Pharmacology On-Demand Content
This 12 credit, on-demand CME program covering myriad areas of pharmacology for PA practice is now available for purchase!
State Medical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Boards Issue Joint Regulatory Statement on Retail IV Therapy Clinics
In response to the increasing number of retail IV therapy clinics operating in the state, the State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and Ohio Board of Nursing issued a joint regulatory statement highlighting critical patient safety concerns and the importance of regulatory compliance in this emerging sector.
Download and Share: Must-Have Materials to Promote the PA Profession
Access an infographic about the PA profession in Ohio and a one-pager about PA Title Change to help educate your healthcare colleagues and advance Ohio PA advocacy!
PA Rises to #3 Best Job in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
U.S. News & World Report named the PA profession #3 among the 100 Best Jobs across all occupations based on such factors as median salary, unemployment rate, 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance!
On-Demand CME: Weighing Your Options: A Review of Antiobesity Treatment Options
Earn 1 CME credit while learning from Emily Doycich, PharmD, BCPS, and Shanail Berry, M.D. about criteria for medical weight management and current medications approved for weight loss.
