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

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Shapiro Administration released its second-round funding opportunity for Rural Health Transformation Program Rapid Response Stabilization payments of at least $10,000 and up to $1 million. Payments must be used in alignment with following Commonwealth goals:

  • Aging & Access
  • Behavioral Health
  • Emergency Medical Services & Transportation
  • Maternal Health
  • Technology & Infrastructure
  • Workforce

Providers may submit the eligibility certification and required documentation from 8am on August 17th to 11:59pm on August 24th , or until the authorized $35 million cap is hit, whichever is sooner. Further information on the application process and eligibility certification can be found here. 

General Assembly

The state House will return on September 9th and the state Senate on September 28th.

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

  • Rep. Jen O’Mara circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to limit the influence of private equity in EMS equipment.
  • Rep. Danielle Friel Otten issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to allow pharmacists to utilize Opioid Settlement funds to expand the provider workforce for OUD treatment and support pharmacist training and DEA registration for buprenorphine prescribing authority,
  • Rep. Doyle Heffley shared a co-sponsor memo for legislation to permanently schedule Nitazene compounds as a Schedule I substance.
  • Rep. Kristin Howard introduced HB 2722, her legislation to require dental providers to utilize provider portals.

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 on Updates to the Family Planning Services Program Fee Schedule.

DHS reinforced its Office of Long Term Living’s Critical Incident Management bulletin guidance on responsibilities and reporting requirements for MCOs, Providers, and Service Coordinators. 

Stakeholder Meetings

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

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

The Department of Health’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.