The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 27- October 31 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Budget Update

In a hopeful sign, top legislative leaders have met daily with the Governor and key staff throughout the week. The House and Senate are both set to return on November 17th. As negotiations continue, school districts and counties are adjusting services and payments to navigate the impasse.

General Assembly

During this week’s session, the House unanimously passed Rep. Ben Sanchez’s HB 446, allowing patients to take home unused medications following a hospital stay. The House also passed HB 1828, vaccine coverage and access legislation offered by Rep. Arvind Venkat, by a margin of 104-99. Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration.

The House Professional Licensure committee advanced Sen. Rosemary Brown’s SB 507. This legislation would update and modernize midwifery services in Pennsylvania.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee voted to advance SB 270 and SB 614. Senator Amanda Cappelletti’s SB 270 would restrict online sales of human donor milk. SB 614, Chairwoman Michele Brooks’ legislation on FQHC Preceptors, was amended to limit the program to only rural areas.

The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee met to consider HB 157, SB 804, and SB 998. Rep. Kathy Rapp’s HB 157 would create a Rural Health Care Grant Program within the Department of Health. Senate Bill 804 from Sen. Boscola would prohibit toxic additives in IV Bags and medical equipment. Senate Bill 998, introduced by Rep. Rosemary Brown, would create a Nursing Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program within the Department of Community & Economic Development.

The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on the Department of Health’s Newborn Screening program on October 28^th where Rep. Sailsbury’s House Bill 1652 was discussed. This legislation would add Gaucher Disease to the Newborn Screening program.

The Senate State Government Committee held a hearing to discuss SB 125, Sen. Dush’s proposed constitutional amendment to address change of judicial venues.

The House Human Services Committee amended and advanced House Bill 1974 by Rep. Venkat. HB 1974 proposes to create a Contingency Management Support Grant Program within the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), enabling Single County Authorities to apply for grants supporting Contingency Management programs and activities like staff training, drug-testing supplies, incentive tracking systems, evaluation, and non-cash incentives.

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted out HB 1530 which would establish privacy protections for Pennsylvania consumers regarding their genetic data collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies (e.g., commercial DNA testing services).

Below is a list of health and human services-related legislation and co-sponsor memos released this week.

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to require coverage of obesity treatments.

Rep. Wendy Fink introduced HB 1997 which allows autologous or directed blood donations for certain medical procedures.

Department of Human Services

The Department issued several changes to the MA Fee Schedule, adding procedure codes, prior authorization requirements, and changing units and limitations on procedure codes.

State Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing issued final form regulations effective upon today’s publishing in the PA Bulletin, but with provisions relating to organ & tissue donation taking effect May 1, 2026.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC will consider DHS’ proposed Covered Outpatient Drugs Regulation at their November 20^th public meeting. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold their public meeting on Wednesday Nov. 19^th and Thursday November 20^th both from 9am-3pm.

DOH’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday Nov. 13^th from 10am – Noon.

DOH’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet on Friday Nov. 7^th from 8:30am – 9:30am. 

Federal Update

Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.