01/30/2026

The Ohio General Assembly Returns, and OAPA’s Work Continues

As the Ohio General Assembly prepares to reconvene following its winter recess, OAPA is getting back to work with steadfast focus and momentum. The months ahead will be critical for advancing legislation that strengthens PA practice and improves patient access to care across our state. 

To be clear, this effort continues because your engagement makes a real difference.

As lawmakers return to the Statehouse, OAPA will continue to engage with legislators, staff, and coalition partners to build awareness of the PA profession and ensure that our voices are heard. But advocacy is strongest when it is powered by informed, engaged members who are willing to stand behind the profession they care so deeply about.

That starts with membership. A strong, unified association signals credibility and influence to policymakers. When legislators ask, “How many PAs does OAPA represent?” the answer matters. Maintaining your membership, renewing your dues, and encouraging colleagues to join is foundational to our advocacy success.

Equally important is the expertise within our membership. Ohio’s PAs are practicing in every specialty and every corner of the state, and that real-world experience is invaluable. When legislation touches a particular area of practice, lawmakers want to hear from professionals who understand the impact firsthand. By stepping up as a subject-matter expert, you help OAPA bring practical, informed perspectives into the policy discussion.

Your personal story also carries weight. Data and policy language matter, but stories are what lawmakers remember. Sharing how PA practice laws affect your patients, your team, or your ability to provide care helps put a human face on complex legislative issues.

A powerful voice in support of PA practice can also come from a physician colleague who understands and values collaborative care. Physicians who are willing to speak in support of PAs, whether through testimony or conversations with lawmakers, can be instrumental in advancing legislation. If you know a physician who supports the PA profession, please let us know at oapa@ohiopa.com, as we would welcome the opportunity to engage them in our advocacy efforts.

Finally, advocacy requires resources. Contributions to the OAPA Legislative Fund and the OAPA Political Action Committee help ensure we can maintain a strong presence at the Statehouse, support effective lobbying efforts, and engage with candidates who understand the value PAs bring to Ohio’s healthcare system.

With so many ways to engage, what will be YOUR next step in advocating for our profession? Do you know an Ohio state legislator, either in your district or elsewhere? Have a connection to another association or industry group? Interested in inviting a lawmaker to your workplace or PA program? Experiencing a practice barrier that has legislative implications? Or simply looking for a deeper way to get involved in OAPA’s government affairs work?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we want to hear from you. Advocacy is a team effort, and every connection, conversation, and contribution helps move our profession forward. Together, we can continue to advocate for policies that empower PAs and improve patient care across Ohio.

Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C
OAPA Government Affairs Committee Chair

Please note that contributions to any OAPA funds are not tax-deductible. Also, per Ohio law, OAPA PAC contributions may only be accepted from OAPA members who are United States citizens.