The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 8 – 12.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

• The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session in Harrisburg this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

• • The House passed House Bill 1512, which provides for the coverage of telemedicine services, by a vote of 197-3. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

• • The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1795, which aligns state statute with federal requirements for source plasma donation centers. The bill was subsequently presented to the governor.

• • The House Human Services Committee met on Monday, April 8 and favorably reported House Resolution 373, which recognizes the week of April 11 through 17, 2024, as “Black Maternal Health Week” in Pennsylvania. The full House subsequently adopted the resolution. The committee also held an informational hearing on the delivery of quality home care services under Community HealthChoices. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

• • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Thursday, April 11 on advancing social equity through cannabis legalization. A recording of the meeting is viewable here. 

• The House will reconvene for voting session on Monday, April 15. The Senate is recessed until Monday, April 29.

• The House Children and Youth Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. to consider, among other bills, House Bill 1059, which updates the definition of sexual abuse or exploitation in the Child Protective Services law, and House Bill 2175, which codifies the Office of Child Advocate as a permanent office in the Department of Human Services. The hearing will be livestreamed here.

• The House Health Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m. to consider, among other bills, House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board, and House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries. The hearing will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health 

• The Department of Health (DOH) released updated guidance at the end of March for hospitals to submit attestations for new services and new or replacement equipment. The revised guidance narrows the scope of new and replacement equipment. Find the updated guidance here. 

• DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 744) to alert health care providers of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease. Providers should have a heightened suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease and initiate antibiotic treatment immediately, particularly in people who are disproportionately affected by the current increase, including people ages 30-60 years, Black or African American people, and people with HIV.

• DOH has invited stakeholders to a session with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to discuss pharmacy best practices when ordering and dispensing controlled substances, with a focus on medications for opioid use disorder. The session will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Register here. 

Department of Human Services 

• The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that DHS provides coverage and payment for over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptives. 

• The Office of Long-Term Living has made changes to the MA 376 based on recommendations from CMS and nursing facility admissions should use the updated form as of March 1. Click here for a bulletin outlining those changes and here for the updated form.

• DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #273 to remind providers of the policy for benefit limit exceptions (BLE) for certain dental services.

• DHS has published a statement of policy to clarify the meaning of “purchase service agreement” relating to the contracted delegate function for the delivery of emergency involuntary commitment services. The statement of policy obsoletes Bulletin OMHSAS-21-05 regarding contracted delegate services. Find the statement of policy in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – WIC Program Advisory – April 16

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program) Advisory will meet on April 16, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Patient Safety Authority – April 25

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a meeting of the authority’s board on Thursday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – April 25

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee established under the Infant Hearing Education, Assessment, Reporting and Referral (IHEARR) Act will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.