The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 20 – July 24 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Shapiro Administration

The Governor’s Office released its updated Summer Regulatory Agenda sharing estimated timeframes on upcoming regulatory updates.

The Governor announced a leadership transition for the Office of Administration with current Executive Deputy Secretary Sandra Aguilar moving into the role of Acting Secretary upon the July 31^st resignation of Secretary Reggie McNeil. 

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Shapiro Administration released FAQs for both its forthcoming RHTP funding opportunities for Modernizing Healthcare Technology & Enabling Interoperability Grants for EHRs & HIOs and FQHC and FQHC-Lookalikes. DHS will begin accepting eligibility certifications at 8am on Monday July 27^th for both opportunities. 

General Assembly

The House of Representatives briefly returned to session on Thursday July 23^rd in an attempt to address a court-imposed deadline related to criminal justice sentencing. The state House will return on September 9^th and the state Senate returns on September 28^th.

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

• Rep. Kristine Howard circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to require dental providers to utilize provider portals.
• Rep. Liz Hanbidge introduced HB 2708, legislation to cap the cost of epinephrine delivery systems and consumer out-of-pocket costs to $35.
• Rep. Catherine Wallen introduced HB 2710, legislation requiring further reporting of tick-borne diseases to the Department of Health.

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 an MA Bulletin for  Prior Authorization Guidelines for Upper Extremity Prosthetics and Components.

DHS released its 2026 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Updates; Fee Adjustments and Other Procedure Code Changes.

Department of Health

The Department released its approved reorganization with an updated organization chart, shifting offices into a new Bureau of Healthcare Transformation under the Deputate of Health Resources and Services. 

Department of Insurance

The Department shared proposed rate increases from health insurers for 2027 and offered opportunity for public comment, which can be made to ra-in-comment@pa.gov by Aug. 22^nd.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on July 30^th from 10am-Noon.

DOH’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee will meet from August 6^th from 10am-1:30pm.

Brain Injury Advisory Board of the Department of Health will hold a public meeting on August 7^th from 10am-3pm.

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

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

Federal Update

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