The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 25 –May 29 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The House and Senate return to session on Monday June 1st and we anticipate the following activity:

  • Tuesday, June 2nd
    • The House Children & Youth Committee will vote on House Bill 432, legislation creating Maternal Care Access Zones, and House Bill 1569, legislation to establish a Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program.
    • The House Health Committee will vote on HB 1365, which would create a medication-induced movement disorder education program; HB 2162, legislation to streamline wholesale pharmaceutical state licensure; HB 2341, which would create a Health Care Facility Threat Assessment Grant Program; along with several health-related resolutions.

The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:

  • Rep. Dan Frankel has issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to increase oversight and review requirements for nursing home ownership and operator changes.
  • Rep. Mike Schlossberg has released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to update the Mental Health Procedures Act.
  • Rep. Pat Gallagher circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to update the Medical Practice Act to add updates and clarifications for the role of Physician Assistants.
  • Rep. Arvind Venkat introduced HB 2543, which would establish timelines and protocols for Medicaid pending applications in long-term care settings.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department announced the opening of an application period for HRSA’s STAR LRP student loan repayment program for eligible substance-use disorder treatment professionals. The application window closes on June 23rd at 7:30pm. 

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

The Department released their April 2026 HealthChoices Enrollment report and shared its updated Medicaid Managed Care Directory.

The Department issued a Medicaid Assistance Bulletin for Random Moment Time Study Updates for School-Based ACCESS Program Providers.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority will hold its board meeting on June 23rd at 1pm.

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on June 11th from 10am to Noon.

The Department of Health’s Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on June 10th from 9am to 10am to receive testimony on the block grant application. 

Federal Update

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