10/28/2025
An Impactful Day for Ohio PA Advocacy: Giving Testimony, Meeting with Legislators, and Building Community
October 22, 2025, was a historic day for Ohio PA advocacy as nearly 100 PAs and students gathered at the Statehouse to advance the PA profession in Ohio.
As the PA community assembled in Columbus, three messages were broadcast loud and clear about PAs as the future of quality, accessible, and cost-effective patient care in Ohio:
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PAs are masters-level educated, nationally board certified medical professionals who play a critical role in Ohio's healthcare workforce.
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Supporting HB 353 will change the title of the PA profession from "physician assistant" to "physician associate" to better reflect the vital role that modern day PAs play in healthcare, without any change to scope of practice.
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Modernizing PA practice by removing outdated laws and administrative barriers is essential to improving healthcare access in Ohio, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Recap of Ohio PA Advocacy Day - October 22, 2025
10:30 a.m.
The morning began with Government Affairs Chair Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, and Committee Member Melissa Bowlby, MHA, MSBS, PA-C, DFAAPA, providing in-person proponent testimony before the House Health Committee on House Bill 353, Ohio’s legislation to update the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate.
Several Ohio PAs also submitted valuable written testimony on their personal behalf to support the bill.
This was the second hearing for House Bill 353. We now await the scheduling of a third hearing. In the meantime, OAPA will continue to connect with legislators, particularly House Health Committee members, to answer their questions and help them understand the importance of this legislation.
12:00 p.m.
Once testimony concluded, Freado and Bowlby joined more than 50 PAs and PA students gathered near the Statehouse for a final training session and review of educational materials before heading off to legislator meetings with Senators, Representatives, and legislative aides.
The room was filled with focused energy as participants brought their passion for the PA profession to the halls of the Statehouse, engaging directly with Ohio's lawmakers to share their experiences and advocate for the future of PA practice. Later in the day, several attendees visited the Ohio Senate and House chambers to observe the legislative process in action.
4:30 p.m.
An additional 40+ PAs and PA students joined in the fun to stand shoulder-to-shoulder together on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse, showing unity and making a statement that the profession seeks meaningful advancement for the benefit of Ohio PAs and patients.
Participants took a variety of photos with their PA programs and colleagues. It was a sea of whitecoats!
5:00 p.m.
Nearly 100 PAs and PA students continued the momentum from the Statehouse steps into the historic Museum Gallery for a reception with Ohio legislators and their staff. Attendees connected over appetizers and conversation, discussing healthcare in Ohio and the vital role PAs play in meeting patient needs.
The reception was a fitting conclusion to an engaging and productive day of advocacy at the Statehouse. While some participants traveled home that evening, others returned to the conference venue to prepare for the start of the 2025 OAPA Annual Conference the following morning.
OAPA wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the 2025 Ohio PA Advocacy Day a fantastic success!
Missed the big day, but still want to help?
Advocacy is never ending, so even though our day at the Statehouse has come and gone, there are more opportunities for you to become involved. Here are just a few ideas:
- Review our HB 353 resources to ensure that you understand the PA Title Change initiative and are prepared for a future call to action. Now is your time to get up to speed on the legislation!
- Follow along with all of OAPA's advocacy activities on our legislative page and social media channels.
- Share your story with OAPA! The more we understand about how Ohio law negatively impacts your practice and your patients, the better we can advocate for change.
- Meet your legislator in your own district by attending community events and town halls to thank them publicly for their service and remind them that PAs are active, informed constituents.
- Email your legislator periodically (every few months) to provide brief,nonpartisan updates on legislation, PA workforce needs, or community involvement of PAs.
- Follow your legislators on their official social media accounts and like or comment on posts related to healthcare or community service.
- Support PA advocacy financially through the OAPA Legislative Fund and/or OAPA PAC.
If you have questions about any of OAPA's advocacy efforts, or you would like to become more involved, please contact oapa@ohiopa.com or 614-999-9202.