PA Health Policy Update for April 11
The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 7 – 11. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
General Assembly
The state House of Representatives convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity.
- The House of Representatives passed House Bill 640, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP). The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
- The House of Representatives passed House Bill 409, which requires health care providers to inform patients that they will be receiving their test results in their electronic health record, or that they can request to receive the results in the mail. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
- The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 7 to examine potential updates to the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
- The House Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, April 8 and favorably reported House Bill 561, which expands Act 80 to include all FDA-approved medication assisted treatment, and House Bill 1117, which updates language defining DDAP’s duties and responsibilities. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
- The House Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, April 8 and favorably reported House Bill 433, which eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic imaging related to breast cancer. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
- The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, April 9 and favorably reported, among other legislation, the following pertinent bills. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
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- House Bill 69, which expands the existing Cancer Drug Repository program to other prescription drugs.
- House Bill 79, which establishes uniform hospital-based financial assistance forms and requirements.
- House Bill 1104, which caps the costs of obtaining electronic medical records.
The House of Representatives and the Senate have now recessed. The House will reconvene Tuesday, April 22 and the Senate will reconvene Monday, May 5.
Department of Human Services
- The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to remind physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) enrolled in Medicaid that they are able render topical fluoride varnish (TFV) services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
- DHS has issued a reminder to all participating Medicaid providers of the need to complete a “MA 112 Form” after the birth of a child to a mother enrolled in Medicaid in order to notify the mother’s respective county assistance office (CAO). The “MA 112 Form” should be completed and submitted within three working days of the child’s birth.
- DHS has published final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2024-25 for several classes of inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and supplemental payments to Medicaid-enrolled, qualifying inpatient acute care general hospitals. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
Around the State
- CBS News has published an article about the continued challenges facing Crozer Health in Delaware County. An attorney for Prospect Medical Holdings, the parent company of Crozer, indicated Crozer would start transitioning certain service lines to other providers.
- Pennsylvania’s home care industry and its need for additional funding was the focus of an article by Politics PA this week.
- The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has published an article about increasing measles cases in the state and some counties’ lagging vaccination rates.
Stakeholder Meetings
DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – April 22
The WIC State Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on April 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DHS – Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee – April 23
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has cancelled the April 23 Drug Utilization Board meeting and will instead hold an ad hoc P&T Committee meeting. Find registration information and details here.
DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 23
The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 23 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.
DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 24
The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.
DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – April 25
The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to treatment of chronic renal disease and the Department of Health’s programs related to care and treatment. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
The Patient Safety Authority – April 29
The Patient Safety Authority board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.