04/30/2026

A Look Inside OAPA’s Strategic Advocacy Approach

In a world built on immediacy, it’s natural to expect quick reactions. We see a headline, form an opinion, and move on, often within seconds. That same instinct can carry over into how we view advocacy for our profession. When legislation is introduced in the Ohio House or Senate that could impact Physician Assistants, it may seem like the right move is to respond instantly and publicly.

But effective advocacy, especially in the Ohio statehouse environment, is rarely immediate. At the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants, our government affairs strategy is intentionally more measured. And because we do this work on your behalf and for all of Ohio’s PA community, we want to pull back the curtain to help you understand our approach.

Every legislative session introduces dozens of bills that, on the surface, may seem relevant to our profession. Some appear promising. Others raise concerns. Many fall somewhere in between. It would be easy to issue alerts, post reactions, or take public positions the moment a bill is introduced. However, doing so too early is often counterproductive.

Legislation is fluid. Language changes. Stakeholders negotiate. Amendments reshape intent. What a bill is on day one is often not what it becomes weeks or months later. The legislative process includes multiple stages at which a bill may stall, be significantly amended, or fail to advance altogether. Reacting too quickly can lock us into positions that may not align with where the legislation ultimately lands, or worse, limit our ability to influence it behind the scenes.

Instead, our approach is closer to what PAs would recognize as “watchful waiting.” We monitor closely and engage in ongoing conversations with legislators, staffers, and partner organizations. These discussions often happen out of public view and involve only select OAPA leaders and PA subject-matter experts, but they are critical in shaping how policies evolve before they ever reach a hearing room.

It’s also important to acknowledge a reality that may not always be visible: professional organizations like OAPA do not have unilateral power to sway legislative outcomes. Influence is built over time through credibility, relationships, and timing. Effective advocacy depends not only on the message but on timing, audience, and intent.

That’s why you may not see immediate calls to action or public statements on every bill. When we do engage publicly, whether through testimony, member alerts, or position statements, it is deliberate. It means the timing is right, the language is clear, and the opportunity to make an impact is real.

When that moment comes, member engagement is critical. A call to action is not issued lightly, and its effectiveness depends on broad participation. Advocacy efforts are strongest when many voices are heard, not when individuals assume someone else will step in. Legislators notice when their constituents engage directly, and collective action from our membership is one of the most meaningful ways to influence the conversation.

Very little advocacy is visible in real time. Much of the work happens long before anything becomes public. Behind every formal position is a process that includes careful review, strategic discussion, and coordination with partners. It is constant, even when it is not visible.

This approach requires a level of trust in the process. While not every conversation or strategy can be public in real time, our decisions are grounded in thoughtful analysis, strong relationships, and a commitment to advancing the PA profession in Ohio. That work is strengthened by member input. When PAs share the challenges they face in practice, it helps ensure we are prepared to respond effectively when legislative opportunities emerge.

While we cannot guarantee legislative outcomes, we can commit to transparency. Part of that commitment is helping members understand not just what we do, but how and why we do it. Advocacy is not always loud, and it is not always fast, but when done thoughtfully, it is most effective. Our strength lies in pairing our strategy with an engaged membership, ready to act when it matters most.

Thank you for your commitment to OAPA. I’m honored to serve our members and our patients.

Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, is the Government Affairs Committee Chair of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants.

The Government Affairs Committee supports the profession through advancing PA legislative priorities and removing barriers to practice. Please consider sharing your story about how PA practice law impacts you and providing financial support to advance PA advocacy via the OAPA Legislative Fund or OAPA Political Action Committee.

Keep up with the latest on our advocacy page, or contact us at oapa@ohiopa.com.