The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 15 – June 18 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

As budget negotiators continue discussions, a Supreme Court decision regarding the legality of skill games could give momentum to a potential new source of revenue. The taxation and regulation of skill games in Pennsylvania was a key piece of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal and a court-imposed deadline could add urgency to finally resolve this outstanding issue with twelve days remaining until the budget deadline arrives.

General Assembly

The House and Senate were in session from Monday to Wednesday and provided the following actions:

  • Monday June 15th
  • The House voted 200-2 to approve and send HB 377to the Senate. This bill would prohibit the sale, manufacture, or delivery of tianeptine, often called “gas station heroin” in Pennsylvania.
  • Wednesday, June 17th
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee & Human Services Committee held a joint hearingon the “In Lieu of Services” pilot program.
  • The House Health Committeevoted 25-1 on HB 2379, legislation to expand Flu vaccine offering requirements from age 65 to age 50; 26-0 on HB 2614, legislation prohibiting DEHP in IV bags and tubing; and 25-1 on HB 2621, which would fund the Department of Health Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS); and HR 528, a resolution to require a study on PANS & PANDAS.
  • The House Health Committeealso met in a public hearing to hear testimony on HB 2309, legislation to regulate the sale of beverages containing Delta-9 THC.

The House will return to session from Monday June 22nd through the week but adjusted their scheduled voting session days, moving June 26th through 28th from voting session to non-voting session. The Senate is scheduled for voting session from Monday June 22nd through Friday June 26th.

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

  • Catherine Wallen released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to hasten the reporting requirements of tick-borne diseases to the PA Department of Health.
  • Dave Argall issued a co-sponsor memoregulating the leasing of dental provider networks.
  • Christina Sappey introduced a co-sponsor memofor legislation requiring insurers to accept any willing, qualified behavioral health provider into network. This legislation is a Governor’s legislative priority.
  • Health Committee Chairs Dan Frankel, Kathy Rapp and Reps. Jessica Benham and Charity Krupa released a co-sponsor memofor legislation requiring pharmacies to submit drug price information to DHS to offer better understanding of actual pharmaceutical acquisition costs in the MA program.
  • Chairman Dan Frankel also issued a co-sponsor memofor legislation to require additional health information awareness and counseling for parents who opt their children out of required school vaccinations.
  • Arvind Venkat circulated a co-sponsor memofor legislation requiring insurance coverage of preventative services as recommended by several national health authorities.
  • Liz Hanbidge released a co-sponsor memofor legislation allowing broader usage and liability protections for utilization for expired naloxone.
  • Nate Davidson and Rep. Catherine Wallen introduced HB 2646, legislation to prohibit insurers from limiting access to drugs within the FDAs accelerated approval pathway.

Department of Human Services

In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, stay plugged in to DHS updates for managing HR 1, new rules and regulations, among others. DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – covers DHS program updates, agency news, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

The Department issued July 2026 Remittance Advice Date information for providers.

Stakeholder Meetings

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

DHS is hosting two public hearings to take public comment on the proposed LIHEAP state plan on June 25th and July 2nd, both from 10am – Noon.

DOH’s HIV Community Prevention & Planning Committee will hold public meetings on August 19th from 9-12pm & August 20th from 9-2pm.

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday August 20th from 10am- Noon.

Federal Update 

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