02/28/2025
How OAPA Members Can Help Influence Ohio Healthcare Policy
OAPA has been hard at work at strengthening PA practice in Ohio. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, PAs must have a seat at the table in shaping legislation that impacts our profession, our patients, and our ability to provide high-quality care. Advocacy is a team effort, and we need your engagement to help move these initiatives forward.
One of our primary focuses over the last few weeks has been the governor's budget, House Bill 96. We have spent considerable time analyzing this bill to identify opportunities that benefit PAs and ensure our profession remains competitive in Ohio's healthcare workforce. As we navigate this legislative session, we are also working diligently to finalize the language for our PA title change bill. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that the title "Physician Associate" accurately reflects our education, training, and role in patient care. Clarity in title is essential for reducing confusion among patients, legislators, and healthcare leaders, and we are committed to seeing this effort through.
In addition to our title change efforts, OAPA is looking for ways to support PA students and the programs that train them. One initiative we are exploring is a Preceptor Tax Deduction bill, which would incentivize providers to precept students by offering a tax credit for their time and expertise. Preceptors are a crucial part of PA education, and strengthening this pipeline ensures that future PAs are well-trained and prepared to enter the workforce.
Beyond these legislative priorities, we continuously review the Ohio Revised Code to identify necessary updates to enhance PA practice, reduce unnecessary barriers, and increase parity with our APRN colleagues. PAs play an essential role in Ohio's healthcare system, and modernizing outdated regulations will allow us to practice more effectively and efficiently.
OAPA is also actively engaging with other healthcare organizations and systems across Ohio to build coalitions and strengthen our advocacy efforts. A key part of this work includes providing testimony and support for broader healthcare legislation. Recently, we have discussed the impact of House Bill 12, which expands the Patient's Right to Try and allows individuals with life-threatening conditions greater access to off-label treatments. Additionally, we are supporting Senate Bill 25, which regulates access to sun lamp tanning beds for minors to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. While these bills do not directly impact PA practice, they relate to our mission of improving Ohio healthcare access and patient safety.
With all these initiatives in motion, we need your help. Advocacy is strongest when the voices of those directly affected drive it. If you have experienced practice limitations that impact your ability to provide care, we want to hear your story.
We are also developing multimedia communications targeted at legislators and the public, and we need PAs who are willing to share their experiences to help educate and influence decision-makers.
Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Together, we can create meaningful change for PAs and the patients we serve. If you want to get involved, click here to share your story and experience, and let's work together to advance PA practice in Ohio.
Immediate Past President and Government Affairs Committee Chair