Latest News
OAPA Selects New Lobbying Firm
Earlier this year, the OAPA Board of Directors launched a lobbyist search process. After receiving and reviewing proposals and conducting interviews, one firm emerged as the best choice for helping OAPA achieve its legislative goals. Read on for more information about OAPA's new lobbying partner.
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Join OAPA in Opposing HB 73
The Ohio General Assembly is back in action after the fall recess and elections. OAPA continues to oppose a piece of legislation in front of the Senate Health Committee - HB73 - that could force hospital physicians to provide any prescription medication requested by the patient. Read more and add your voice to the chorus of medical professionals and industry authorities who are opposing this bill.
2024 Annual Conference On-Demand Content
This 6 credit, on-demand CME program highlights this year's Annual Conference content. Now available at a special $99 introductory rate through December 31!
Connect with Ohio PAs: Event Partnerships Now Available!
OAPA is offering you an opportunity to showcase your organization to practicing PAs, PA educators, and PA students from across Ohio at the annual Pharmacology Conference on March 28-29, 2025, at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls.
Amended Rules on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
On Wednesday, October 9, the State Medical Board of Ohio voted to amend the administrative rules for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), effective October 31, 2024. The amendments reflect changes in federal law and allow prescribers to safely provide needed treatment to vulnerable patients.
Notice of Proposed OAPA Bylaws Amendments
The Bylaws Committee and Executive Director conducted additional review of the OAPA Bylaws after the Spring 2024 vote and found areas needing further attention, primarily for grammar, standardization, and clarity purposes. Voting members of OAPA will be asked to cast their vote in December to adopt the amendments.
PA WEEK 2024: Get to Know a PA - Cameron Powell, MPAS, PA-C
PA Week is the perfect time to learn more about awesome Ohio PAs! Today's feature is Cameron Powell, MPAS, PA-C, who believes it is a privilege that patients trust PAs to care for them during some of their most difficulty times.
PA WEEK 2024: Celebrate PA Week by Advancing OAPA's Legislative Efforts
We continue to celebrate our 2024 legislative wins in Ohio, including passage of the PA Licensure Compact and new access for PAs as authorized signers. To prepare for 2025 and the new Ohio General Assembly, OAPA seeks to strengthen our financial position through support for our Legislative Fund.
PA WEEK 2024: Get to Know a PA - Dennis Olivares, PA-C
PA Week is the perfect time to learn more about awesome Ohio PAs! Today's feature is Dennis Olivares, PA-C, who enjoys the PA profession because he loves helping people feel healthy, comfortable, and happy.
PA WEEK 2024: Get to Know a PA - Maria Zappa, PA-C
PA Week is the perfect time to learn more about awesome Ohio PAs! Today's feature is Maria Zappa, PA-C, who believes that watching patients improve their quality of life as a result of partnering with a PA is immensely fulfilling.
PA WEEK 2024: PA Profession Featured on SMBO Podcast!
Med Board Pulse, a podcast from the State Medical Board of Ohio, guides listeners through the board’s responsibilities and explains the ways that it creates impactful policy, educates stakeholders, and removes bad providers from practice. In honor of PA Week, Med Board Pulse published a bonus episode featuring OAPA Vice President and Public Relations Chair Michell McDiffett, MSHS, PA-C.
PA WEEK 2024: Get to Know a PA - Abby Copper, MSM, PA-C
PA Week is the perfect time to learn more about awesome Ohio PAs! Today's feature is Abby Copper, MSM, PA-C, who is excited for PA Week because it is a chance to spread positivity and awareness around this amazing profession.
PA WEEK 2024: PA Week Means Wellness! Virtual Meditation Gathering
Join your OAPA colleagues on Thursday, October 10 at 8 p.m. on Zoom for a meditation experience with an expert yoga instructor. Breathe in, unwind from your day, and give yourself the time and space you deserve!
PA WEEK 2024: Governor DeWine Declares October 6-12 as Physician Assistants' Week in Ohio
OAPA worked with Governor Mike DeWine’s office to achieve a proclamation that declares October 6-12, 2024, as Physician Assistants' Week in the State of Ohio! We are grateful to the Governor for this recognition and encourage you to share the good news with colleagues and friends as you celebrate PA Week 2024.
OAPA Recognizes Senator Roegner for Ongoing Legislative Support
At the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference, OAPA provided a special recognition for State Senator Kristina D. Roegner for her leadership on the PA Licensure Compact and other support of PAs.
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: HB670 Introduces Physician Associate Professional Title
OAPA is proud to announce the introduction of the bi-partisan HB670 Physician Associate Professional Title change bill in the Ohio House of Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Rachel Baker and Nick Santucci. This bill would change the professional title used by physician assistants to "physician associate" throughout the Ohio Revised Code.
AAPA Hears Back from AMA, Requests PA Feedback
The AMA has finally responded to AAPA's letters asking for an end to the AMA's divisive “scope creep” campaign, but fell short of agreeing to participate in dialogue about a more positive path forward. AAPA is now asking for feedback and OAPA encourages Ohio PAs to participate.
Supporting Future PAs: OAPA Names 2024 Scholarship Winners
The future of the Ohio PA profession is bright! OAPA Scholarships celebrate the accomplishments of PA students and provide monetary support to help them complete their studies. We are excited to announce this year's OAPA Scholarship winners!
AAPA Tries Again with AMA, Invites Collaboration to Find Common Ground
The AAPA has sent a second letter to the American Medical Association (AMA) after receiving no response to the July 30 outreach asking for an end to the AMA's divisive “scope creep” campaign. Follow along with the latest development on AAPA's new "Stop Healthcare Obstruction" page.
Honoring PA Excellence: OAPA Names 2024 Award Winners
Excellence is meant to be celebrated! OAPA's awards recognize those who have made a significant positive impact on the PA profession. We are excited to announce this year's winners of the Jerry A. Greco, PA-C Memorial PA Educator of the Year Award and John Trimbath Award for Exceptional Preceptorship.
Take 5 Minutes to Stand Up for the PA Profession
The AAPA has asked the American Medical Association (AMA) to cease its divisive “scope creep” campaign. You can help by adding your name to a sign-on letter and completing a quick survey about the impact of AMA's efforts on your practice.
AAPA Invites Dialogue with AMA, Asks for End to Campaign Against PAs
The AAPA has sent a letter to the American Medical Association (AMA) confronting its unjust and harmful attacks on PAs and other healthcare providers and calling on the AMA to cease its divisive “scope creep” campaign.
Legislative VICTORY: PA Licensure 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.
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: 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.
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.
