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PA Health Policy Update for June 23

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 20 – 23. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

General Assembly

The House and Senate returned to Harrisburg this week for voting session. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

The Senate voted to confirm Governor Josh Shapiro’s nominees for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, and Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Michael Humphreys. A recording of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee confirmation hearing can be viewed here. A recording of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee confirmation hearing can be viewed here.

The General Assembly passed SB 262, which requires the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to publish severe maternal mortality data. The bill will now be sent to the governor.

The House unanimously passed HB 1209 and HB 1407, which enable Pennsylvania to meet its obligations under the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with tobacco product manufacturers and ensure the state is able to continue receiving funds from the tobacco settlement for health-related programs.

The Senate adopted SR 46 to establish the Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care to study the health care and access issues facing women veterans.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
- SB 683, which requires an acute-care hospital to include testing for fentanyl if the hospital conducts a urine drug screening to assist in the diagnosis of a patient’s condition. The bill was reported as amended, to include xylazine.
- SB 768, which makes changes to the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority (RHRCA) Act, including financing of the authority and board membership. The bill was reported as committed.
- SB 817, which creates a primary care workforce initiative for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The bill was reported as committed.

A recording of the meetings can be viewed here.

The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting Wednesday, June 22 at 11:30am to consider HB 850, which requires the Departments of Health and Human Services to apply for a waiver if the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service creates and makes a waiver available to the states that would allow those receiving SNAP and WIC to use those programs for menstrual hygiene products. The bill was reported as amended. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

The House and Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 26.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Medical Assistance (MA) providers that DHS has added CPT code 0174A to the MA Program Fee Schedule for the administration of an additional bivalent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through July. Find the updated calendar here.

DHS has announced the proposed Nursing Facility Assessment Program details for FY 2023-24, including the proposed assessment amount, the proposed assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the assessment under the Nursing Facility Assessment Program. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has published volume one of its annual analysis of the financial performance of Pennsylvania’s acute-care hospitals. The analysis found that hospital total margins across the state decreased 7.59 percentage points in FY 22. Go here to find a PHC4 news release describing the agency’s report, the report itself, and a link to downloadable data from the report.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) submitted comments to the Department of Human Services on their regulation #14-543: Protective Services for Adults.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – June 28

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss Medical Marijuana Program updates. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PID – 1332 Waiver Reinsurance Program Public Forum – June 28

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced it is accepting public comment on its 1332 State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program beginning June 1 and ending June 30. PID will also hold an in-person forum for public comment on Thursday, June 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – July 20

The next Specialty Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Go here for details on how to participate.

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – July 27

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. The agenda will include discussions about Board member terms; updates from the Bureau of Family Health; and updates from the Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathy and Critical Congenital Heart Defects subcommittees. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-06-23T21:27:26+00:00June 23rd, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for June 16

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 12 – 16. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has sent a letter to governors urging states to adopt all options that HHS has offered to help eligible individuals and families maintain their health coverage during the redetermination process and leverage all partners to support individuals and families to complete renewal forms.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 739 (Act 2 of 2023) into law on Wednesday. Act 2 creates new cyber security-related requirements for health insurers and allows the Insurance Commissioner to adopt National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Valuation Manual exemptions by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

General Assembly

The state House returned to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 12. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

The House Insurance Committee held a voting meeting Monday, June 12 at 11:00am to consider HB 1050, requiring health insurers to cover preventive health care services without cost-sharing. The bill was reported as amended. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here. The Insurance Committee was expected reconvene on Wednesday, June 14 to consider HB 1140; however, the meeting was cancelled.

The House Health Committee held a voting meeting Wednesday, June 14 to consider the following bills:
- HB 78, establishing the Medical Debt Relief Program. The bill was reported as amended by a vote of 18-3.
- HB 807, providing for perimenopause and menopause education. The bill was reported as committed by a vote of 20-1.
- HB 817, amends the Pharmacy Act to provide education on drug take back programs. The bill was reported as committed by a vote of 20-1
- HB 818, creates the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State. The bill was reported as amended by a vote of 18-2.
- HB 1209 and HB 1407, add two enforcement mechanisms to the Tobacco Product Manufacturer Directory Act and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Act, which resolved legal claims between the commonwealth and participating manufacturers relating to health care costs for treating smoking-related illnesses. The bills were unanimously reported as committed.
- HB 1351, which makes changes to the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority (RHRCA) Act, including financing of the authority and board membership.
- SB 262, amends the Maternal Mortality Review Act to would add “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

The Senate will return to Harrisburg Monday, June 19 and the House will return Tuesday, June 20 for voting session. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
- SB 683, which require an acute-care hospital to include testing for fentanyl if the hospital conducts a urine drug screening to assist in the diagnosis of a patient’s condition.
- SB 768, which makes changes to the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority (RHRCA) Act, including financing of the authority and board membership.
- SB 817, which creates a primary care workforce initiative for our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Immediately following, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Latika Davis-Jones for Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

Both meetings will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing and will be live streamed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (2023 – PAHAN – 704) notifying providers of an anticipated increase in Legionellosis cases due to seasonality.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the agenda for the June 22 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting. In advance of the meeting, DHS has also shared the public input it received regarding the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board prior authorization guideline briefing documents discussed at the May 25 meeting.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers the department has rescinded the statement of policy codified at § 1101.51a, which clarified the term “within a provider’s office” and updated the process for the enrollment or revalidation of providers that are in co-located arrangements. Effective January 14, 2023, providers who are in co-location arrangements no longer need to complete the attestation form during enrollment or revalidation in the MA Program.

The Executive Board approved a reorganization of DHS. Additional information and a revised organizational chart is available in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced the addition of a procedure code to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule for the administration of an additional bivalent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. The effective date and MA Fee for the code is indicated in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 04-2023 to provide clarification on how to calculate client to counselor ratios for inpatient, non-hospital treatment and rehabilitation facilities for regulatory compliance.

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging held its first regional town hall in southeastern Pennsylvania to seek input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults, which will be a 10-year, state-led strategic plan designed to transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. Governor Shapiro’s executive order directing the department to develop the plan is available here.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting – June 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals interested in participating may register here.

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – June 28

PID – 1332 Waiver Reinsurance Program Public Forum – June 28

PA Safety Net Admin2023-06-17T00:10:13+00:00June 16th, 2023|Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for June 2

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 29 – June 2. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

General Assembly

The state House and Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 5. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

The House Human Services Committee will hold a joint hearing with the House Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Monday, June 5 on the next generation of emergency and mental health response. The hearing will be held at 10:30am in Room 140 of the Main Capitol and will be live streamed here.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Monday, June 5 at 11:00am to consider the following bills and resolution:
- HB 1184, which extends the Act 92 COLA moratorium until December 2025.
- HB 1300, which adds a member of the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council.
- HR 77, recognizing the month of June 2023 as “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

The meeting will be held in Room 205 of the Ryan Office Building and can be livestreamed here.

The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting Tuesday June 6 to consider HB 106, the Patient Safety Act, which sets nursing staffing ratios and HB 754, which provides a standard notice to each nursing home resident and their designated representatives at the time of their admission into a nursing home facility that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with the application for Medicaid benefits. The meeting will be held at 10:00am in Room 205 of the Ryan Office Building and will be live streamed here.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Tuesday, June 6 to consider the following bills and resolutions.
- SB 514, which requires a blood screening for lead exposure of all children by the age of two.
- SB 520, which addresses Medicaid coverage for Assisted Living Residences.
- SR 120, which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the financial impact to EMS providers due to non-reimbursement from Medicaid for “treat and release” services.

The meeting will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing and will be live streamed here.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday, June 6 on Pennsylvania’s EMS crisis and long-term sustainability. The hearing will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing and will be live streamed here.

Department of Health

The Secretary of Health has issued two final orders temporarily scheduling xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance and nitazenes as a schedule I controlled substance. Following are the two final orders published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Temporary Scheduling of Substance; Xylazine as a Schedule III Controlled Substance

Temporary Scheduling of Substances; Nitazene Class of Compounds as Schedule I Controlled Substances

View this press release issued by DOH for additional information about the Shapiro’s administration’s efforts to limit overdose deaths.

Department of Human Services

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has published a document with the public comments submitted to DHS as part of the re-procurement of the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program. Comments were submitted between March 6 and April 14, 2023. Find a summary of the CHC RFI public comments here.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance (MA) Bulletin advising providers of the updates to the evaluation and management (E & M) procedure codes on the MA Program Fee Schedule, as a result of the 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) updates. In addition, DHS is also making changes to E & M codes currently on the MA Program Fee Schedule. These updates are effective for dates of service on and after June 1, 2023.

DHS has issued an MA Bulletin advising providers that DHS is end-dating three procedure codes related to the COVID-19 specimen collection by pharmacies and testing by laboratories, effective with dates of service on and after May 12, 2023.

DHS has issued an MA Bulletin advising providers about certain billing updates for the provision of COVID-19 vaccine counseling-only visits for beneficiaries under the age of 21 when a COVID-19 vaccine is not administered.

DHS has issued an MA Bulletin advising providers about billing updates for the provision of vaccine counseling-only visits for beneficiaries under the age of 21 for pediatric vaccines provided through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit when no pediatric vaccines are administered.

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine issued final rulemaking relating to the application for temporary graduate perfusionist licenses. Find the final rule in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 15

The Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting – June 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will meet on June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals interested in participating may register here.

PID – 1332 Waiver Reinsurance Program Public Forum – June 28

PA Safety Net Admin2023-06-05T14:57:31+00:00June 2nd, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 5

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 1 – 5. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the first section of an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code.

Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed the first bill of his administration on Monday. Act 1, formerly Senate Bill 8, requires insurers to cover all costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or Ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer. View this press release for additional information.

The Shapiro administration announced today that all commonwealth agencies completed a comprehensive review of their respective licensing, certification, and permitting processes as directed in the governor’s January 31 executive order. The administration will now work to establish “efficient processing times” for all permits and licenses.

General Assembly

The state House and Senate returned to Harrisburg on May 1 for voting session. Below is coverage of selected health-related proceedings.

- The House Health Committee held a public hearing Tuesday, May 2 on HB 106, the Patient Safety Act, which sets nursing staffing ratios. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

- Representative Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware), Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) and Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) held a press conference Wednesday on hospital closure reform. More information can be found here.

- The House Republican Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, May 4 on hospital pricing transparency. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

- The Senate voted to confirm Governor Josh Shapiro’s nominee for the Secretary of Aging, Jason Kavulich, this week. A recording of the confirmation hearing in the Senate Aging and Youth Committee can be viewed here.

- The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a voting meeting on Tuesday, May 2 to consider among other bills:
  - SB 100, Establishing the Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Illness Diagnosis and Treatment Act. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
  - SB 262, Amends the Maternal Mortality Review Committee Act regarding reportable events. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
  - SB 414, Expanding access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
  - SB 500, Provides for Medicaid Coverage for Pasteurized Donor Human Milk. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
  - SB 549, Requires consent for pelvic, rectal, and prostate exams. The bill was unanimously reported as amended.
  - SB 555, Reducing the loaded mileage requirements for EMS Medicaid reimbursement. The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

The state Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 8. The state House is recessed and will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 22. The following are selected health-related proceedings.

- The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an information meeting Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00am to receive updates from local Area Agencies on Aging and to discuss scams targeting older adults. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Michelle Henry issued the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document regarding medication abortion and mifepristone access in Pennsylvania.

Department of Health

The Department of Health’s (DOH) Division of Newborn Screening and Genetics, with support of the Newborn Screening and Follow-up Technical Advisory Board, is proposing that Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency screening be added effective January 1, 2024 to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening. Additional information can be viewed in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its intent to increase the funding and amend the payment methodology for the COVID-19 disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments for qualifying acute care general hospitals for FY 2022-23. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS published final notice of its intent to allocate funding and amend the qualifying criteria and payment methodology allocation for DSH payments to acute-care general hospital trauma centers. These payments will amount to $18.034 million in total funds. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS published final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2022-23 supplemental payments to promote the continuation of quality medical services to individuals enrolled in the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) Program, and to provide financial relief to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS published updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule for administration of a booster dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced the temporary extension of the Alternative Payment Methodology (APM) for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinics (RHC) for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines administered during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit. The APM will be extended beyond the end of the federal PHE to September 30, 2024. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) shared a notice issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) informing stakeholders there will be a 90-day transition period following the conclusion of the federal PHE for covered health care providers to come into compliance with HIPAA rules for telehealth. The transition period will be in effect from May 12, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. on August 9, 2023.

DHS has issued an updated Provider Quick Tip (#263) regarding the electronic submission process in the PROMISe Portal for Office of Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service (FFS) and Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation.

DHS issued a corrected April Medical Assistance Bulletin (MAB) list. A prior version was shared with the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) at its April 27 meeting.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $5.7 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $51.1 million, or 0.9 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $37.9 billion, which is $1.2 billion, or 3.3 percent, above estimate.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – WIC Advisory Board – May 10

The WIC Program Advisory will meet on May 10 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Additional information and details on how to participate can be viewed in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Friday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, or via webinar. You may register for the webinar here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 18

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18. For information on how to participate, review this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – May 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Go here to register to participate.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-05-05T21:19:20+00:00May 5th, 2023|Federal Medicaid issues, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 21

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 17 -21. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro announced this week his administration submitted a notice of intent to temporarily add xylazine, commonly known as “tranq,” to the list of schedule III drugs under Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. This step is an effort to limit access to xylazine, which is increasingly being found in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug trade. The administration also intends to schedule nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids, as a schedule I drug.

General Assembly

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing Thursday, April 20 on The State Master Plan on Aging. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The House Children and Youth Committee held a public hearing Thursday, April 20 on overcrowding in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Detention Facilities. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The state House and Senate will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 for voting session. Following are selected health-related committee proceedings.

- The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee will hold a public hearing Monday, April 24 at 10:00am on professional licensing delays in health care. The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

- The House Insurance Committee will hold a voting meeting on Monday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. to consider among other bills, SB 8 which requires insurers to cover all costs associated for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or Ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer. The meeting will be held in Room B31 of the Main Capitol and will be livestreamed here.

- The House Health Committee will hold an informational meeting Wednesday, April 26 at 9:00 a.m. on unregulated intoxicants and psychoactive substances. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

- The House Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Wednesday, April 26 at 9:15 a.m. to consider the following bills.
  - HB 409, which would establish a mental health care services clearinghouse.
  - HB 754, which would provide a standard notice to each nursing home resident and their designated representatives at the time of their admission that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with the application for Medicaid benefits.

The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.

- The House Professional Licensure Committee will hold an informational meeting April 26 at 10:00am on the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. The hearing will be held in Room 140 of the Main Capitol and will be livestreamed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued Health Advisory – 691 (2023-PAHAN-691) with important information regarding a Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) outbreak in the southeast region of the state.

DOH published two notices in the Pennsylvania Bulletin formally announcing its intent to add xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance and nitazenes as a schedule I controlled substance. Following are the notices.
- Temporary Scheduling of Substance; Xylazine as a Schedule III Controlled Substance
- Temporary Scheduling of Substances; Nitazene Class of Compounds as Schedule I Controlled Substances

DOH reminded long-term care facilities that the obligation to report COVID-19 cases and deaths through the ERS will continue beyond the end of the federal PHE on May 11. These records are reportable within 24 hours of diagnosis. Only new cases should be reported and positive cases that later result in death should be amended rather than entered as a new data record. Find details on the reporting process here.

DOH encouraged nursing care facilities to make every effort to help temporary nurse aides to schedule and complete the required exams to become permanent certified nurse aides as soon as possible. When the federal PHE ends on May 11, candidates will have four months to complete the required testing as long as they are enrolled in an Approved Nurse Aide Training Program and candidates may continue to work in facilities while they complete the training program. Information on preparing and scheduling tests can be found here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) released the agenda for the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s (MAAC) April 27 meeting. In advance of the meeting, DHS also issued a briefing document outlining proposed changes and clarifications to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

DHS issued proposed regulations to strengthen and clarify the Adult Protective Services Act (Act 70). Implementation of Act 70 began in 2015 but has operated under agency guidance and contract amendments rather than formal regulation. Find additional information and the proposed regulations in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks into late May. Find the updated calendar here.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department issued a request for comments on a proposal to suspend the reinsurance program for the state-based insurance exchange, PENNIE®, and potentially replace it with a possible “state subsidy wrap.” Additional information on the proposal and details on how to comment may be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Michelle Henry joined a coalition of seventeen other Attorneys General submitting a letter in support of the Federal Trade Commission’s proposal to prevent businesses from having employees sign non-compete agreements as a condition of employment. Find additional information in this press release.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) released the agenda for its May 18 meeting. Following are certain health-related regulations IRRC will consider.

Temporary Graduate Perfusionist License
- No. 3365 State Board of Medicine #16A-4954
- No. 3366 State Board of Osteopathic Medicine #16A-5332
Environmental Quality Board #7-574: Radiological Health Fees

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. Go here to register to participate.

Patient Safety Authority – April 27

The Patient Safety Authority’s board will meet virtually on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

DDAP – Xylazine: A New Drug Additive – June 12

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will host two additional sessions of “Xylazine: A New Drug Additive,” presented by Savage Sisters Recovery, in Harrisburg on June 12, 2023. Please visit the Training Management System for details and to register.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-04-21T20:06:37+00:00April 21st, 2023|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 10 -14. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees concluded their budget hearings this week.
- On Tuesday, April 11, the Department of Human Services appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
- On Wednesday, April 12, the Department of Human Services appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
- On Thursday, April 13, the Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The House Health Committee held an informational hearing Wednesday, April 12 on prescription drug affordability boards. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, April 13 on black maternal health. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing Thursday, April 13 on PACE/PACENET, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and AARP. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational hearing Thursday, April 20 at 1:00pm on The State Master Plan on Aging. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.

The House Children and Youth Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, April 20 at 10:00am on overcrowding in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Detention Facilities. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.

The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24.

Department of Health

The Department of Health posted new documents related to the implementation of the long-term care nursing facilities regulations that become effective July 1, 2023:

Guidance for long term care regulations (effective July 1, 2023)
LTC Licensure Regulations Provider Updates – Presentation
LTC Licensure Regulations Provider updates – slides

View these and other guidance documents on the dedicated webpage here.

The Department of Health issued a health advisory with information about the Pennsylvania Childhood Blood Lead Act that took effect on January 2, 2023, and requires certain blood lead assessment and testing for children and pregnant women. Find more information in the health advisory.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2023. This bulletin replaces the 2022 recommended vaccine schedule.

DHS issued Provider Quick Tip #41, which is an updated Medical Assistance (MA) Desk Reference with provider contacts.

DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform MA providers that DHS added Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 0164A (Moderna, Inc.) and 0173A (Pfizer, Inc.) to the MA Program Fee Schedule for the administration of additional bivalent doses of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines.

DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers of updates to the Emergency Medical Condition Information Eligibility form.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital Star reported on the House Appropriations Committee’s examination of Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2023-24 budget for DHS.

The Scranton Times Tribune wrote about the continued nursing shortage in Pennsylvania and its impact on the health care system.

Spotlight PA published, “Pa. Medicaid reenrollment: What you need to know to keep your health insurance or find other options.”

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. Go here to register to participate.

Patient Safety Authority – April 27

The Patient Safety Authority’s board will meet virtually on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – May 4

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The SPBP Advisory Council will provide program guidance and recommendations to the Department’s SPBP in regard to the following: drug formulary; covered lab services; drug utilization review; clinical programs; eligibility; and program management. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – May 18

The Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will host a state-wide Dual Diagnosis Conference virtually on May 18, 2023. The conference will include a variety of perspectives for supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. You may register here.

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – 2023 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council released an update list of its remaining meetings for the 2023 calendar year. Additional details may be viewed here.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-04-14T20:25:48+00:00April 14th, 2023|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 3 to April 7. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will resume budget hearings next week.

- On Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m., the Department of Human Services will appear before the House Appropriations Committee. The hearing will be held in the House chamber and will also be live streamed here. 
- On Wednesday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m., the Department of Human Services will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee. The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building and will also be live streamed here. 
- On Thursday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m., the Department of Health will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee. The hearing will be held in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building and will also be live streamed here. 
- A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be found here.

The House Health Committee will hold an informational hearing Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. on prescription drug affordability boards. The hearing will be held in in Room 205 of the Ryan Office Building and will be live streamed here.

The House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, April 13 at 12:00 p.m. on black maternal health. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be live streamed here.

The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational hearing Thursday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. on PACE/PACENET, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and AARP. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and will be live streamed here.

The state House and Senate are currently recessed.  They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) published the Pennsylvania State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) that outlines goals, objectives, and strategies to improve the health of Pennsylvania residents over the next five years. The 2023-2028 SHIP was developed in collaboration with the Healthy Pennsylvania Partnership, which is made up of nearly 300 health care professionals, associations, health systems, health and human services organizations, community collaborations, local public health agencies, and government agencies.

DOH issued a health update reminding healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to have heightened awareness for C. auris in their patients and updating a previous alert with information on new confirmed cases in Cumberland, Erie, and Monroe counties.  C. auris has been detected in ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care hospitals, and acute care hospitals since the current outbreak began in March 2020.  Find more information in this Health Update.

DOH has alerted providers and laboratories to current outbreaks of Marburg virus in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea and recommends they consider Marburg virus in patients with recent travel to those areas.  Find details in the Health Alert here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Office of Long-Term Living’s (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver amendment, which took effect April 1, 2023. Changes in the approved waiver include benefits counseling, home health aide services, nursing services, and occupational, physical, and speech and language therapy services. The current approved CHC Waiver can be found here.

OLTL released a transition plan to phase out temporary changes to the CHC 1915(c) Waiver. Effective May 11, 2023, OLTL will phase out its emergency flexibilities to coincide with the end of the federal Public Health Emergency.

DHS announced CMS has approved OLTL’s OBRA Waiver amendment, which took effect April 1, 2023, for home and community-based services. The current OBRA Waiver can be viewed here.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify dental providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance program that DHS will begin accepting the 2019 American Dental Association (ADA) Claim Form upon issuance of this bulletin and will no longer accept the 2012 ADA Claim Form for dates of service on and after June 1, 2023.

DHS released a Provider Quick Tip (#263) notifying providers about an electronic submission process for FFS 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation will soon be available in the Promise Portal.

DHS has posted the minutes of the March 23, 2023 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and DHS jointly issued a bulletin to update the guidance in OMHSAS bulletin 06-03 dated February 10, 2006. This bulletin includes the definitions of co-occurring capable and co-occurring enhanced programs as set forth in The ASAM Criteria. The information may be used to assist SCAs, BH-MCOs, and treatment providers in identifying co-occurring capable and co-occurring enhanced programs and in referring individuals to those programs.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $6.2 billion in General Fund revenue in March, which was $499.4 million, or 8.8 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $32.3 billion, which is $1.1 billion, or 3.7 percent, above estimate.

Around the State

WHYY reported about the end of continuous Medicaid enrollment, beginning April 1, 2023, and how individuals can prepare for renewals.

The Erie Times-News published an article about the drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, which was found in a patient at a health care facility in Erie County.

Stakeholder Events

PHC4 – Data Systems Committee – April 10

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled a Data Systems Committee meeting on April 10 at 10:00 a.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DOH – State Child Death Review Team – April 20

The State Child Death Review (CDR) Team will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 20 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – April 21

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, April 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Patient Safety Authority – April 27

The Patient Safety Authority’s board will meet virtually on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

PA Safety Net Admin2023-04-20T17:15:29+00:00April 7th, 2023|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 31

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

General Assembly

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, March 29 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.

The Departments of Health, Aging, and Drug & Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for their respective budget hearings this week. A recording of the hearings can be viewed here.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue budget hearings the week of April 10. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here, and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here.

The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) is evaluating a future purchase and distribution of devices that can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. DOH would purchase and distribute the devices free of charge to small businesses, non-profit entities, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other diseases. Long-term care facilities that are interested in receiving a device if this program moves forward should complete this application.  The application is being used to gauge interest in receiving a device and those who complete the application are not guaranteed to receive one.

In response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, DOH announced the establishment of a community-based health resource network this week to connect Pennsylvania residents impacted by the derailment with local health care providers for long-term assistance.

Department of Human Services

The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a bulletin to advise providers of additions and updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule and the issuance of updated physician and general hospital provider handbook pages regarding the prior authorization procedures for proton therapy services. These changes are effective for dates of services on and after April 1, 2023.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a memorandum to address stakeholder concerns about the impact of ending OMHSAS’ bulletin suspensions regarding signature requirements specific to consent for treatment, service verification, and treatment plans on March 31, 2023, and clarifying the use of audio-only for telehealth in the delivery of services licensed by OMHSAS.

Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing published Interpretations Regarding the Administration of Drugs-Statement of Policy in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This statement of policy clarifies that registered nurses may administer a specific amount of conscious sedation medication during minor therapeutic and diagnostic procedures upon a written order of either a physician or a CRNP when either a physician or CRNP is present during the administration. This statement of policy is expected to eliminate confusion about CRNPs’ authority to order and supervise registered nurses’ administration of conscious sedation under certain circumstances.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported Pennsylvania long-term care facilities will share $14.2 million from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The funds are intended to support workforce development, staff retention, and infrastructure improvements.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s budget hearing this week and noted the focus on the state’s response to the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and Pennsylvania’s post-COVID public health landscape.

A report issued by Kaufman Hall noted that hospital finances continue to struggle in the face of macroeconomic headwinds but they appear to be beginning to stabilize. Fierce Healthcare details the challenges hospitals continue to confront here.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – April 12

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on April 12, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-04-05T18:10:50+00:00March 31st, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 18 to March 24. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The House Appropriations Committee will hold a budget hearing next Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 for the Department of Health and at 1:00 for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The hearings will be held in the House chamber and also will be live-streamed here. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be found here.
The House Health Committee will convene on Wednesday, March 29 to consider, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.
The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced updates of the Medical Assistance fee schedule that will take effect on April 1. Find the affected fees in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers that it has added CPT code 0044A to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. The new code takes effect immediately. Learn more from this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks into early May. Find the updated calendar here.
DHS has shared information for its community partners to use when helping their current Medicaid patients complete the process of renewing their Medicaid eligibility. The information includes key dates, web addresses and phone numbers for further information, links to FAQs, and more. Go here to find these resources.
DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee met on March 23. See the presentations delivered by the following DHS offices:
DHS has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of February.
DHS has updated its list of companies that participate in its Medicaid drug rebate program.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has added Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Disorder (MPS II) screening to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening and follow-up under the state’s newborn screening program effective July 1. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
The Department of Health, which last month joined the Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection in establishing a temporary physical presence in Darlington Township, Beaver County to assist residents affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has announced that the three departments will maintain a weekly presence there to continue addressing the needs and concerns of local residents. Learn more about when the departments will be on site and what services they will offer from this Department of Health news release.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has announced an expansion of its free substance use disorder prevention and education tool “Just Five.” Learn more about the expansion of this tool and its new components from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs news release.

COVID-19: By the Numbers

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania fell 26 percent last week after 19 percent declines in each of the two previous weeks. The number of weekly deaths is holding steady.
In the past week the state surpassed 2.9 million confirmed cases of COVID-19; another 637,000 cases are considered “probable.”
According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 10 percent last week after falling 14 percent the previous week and 16 percent the week before that. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators rose slightly in the past week and the number in hospital ICUs fell slightly.
The CDC reports a 10 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after an 18 percent decline the previous week and a 13 percent decline the week before that.
For the week ending March 22, one Pennsylvania county (Sullivan) experienced a low rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 28 counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 23 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and 15 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 in Harrisburg. For information about how to join the meeting in person or participate remotely, see this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee Meeting – April 10

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet in Sellersville and be available for participants virtually on Monday, April 1 at 1:00. For information about the committee, the location of the meeting, and how to join virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria. The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies. The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30. Continuing education credits are available. Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice. Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

jsteinbock2023-03-24T20:58:02+00:00March 24th, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 18-24. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The state House convened for a special session this week and approved two measures addressing the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse – House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. Both pieces of legislation provide a two-year window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims.
The state House and Senate will meet for regular session next week – Monday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 1.
The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 28 to consider Senate Bill 8, which requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. It also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer pursuant to Act 52 of 2020.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar for the delivery of Remittance Advice (RA) notices, electronic fund transfers, and mailing reimbursement checks into early April. Find the updated calendar here.
DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers that it will begin covering shadow nursing for private duty/shift nursing services provided to Medical Assistance beneficiaries under 21 years of age effective with dates of service on and after January 1, 2023. The bulletin includes a procedure code and rate information. Find the bulletin here.
DHS has released its physical health managed care program enrollment report for January.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has sent a notice to stakeholders explaining that with adoption of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress has eliminated the “DATA-Waiver Program.” For DEA registrants, this means that DATA-Waiver registration is no longer required to treat patients with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder; all prescriptions for buprenorphine only require a standard DEA registration number; there are no longer any limits or patient caps on the number of patients a prescriber may treat for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine; and in Pennsylvania, no current state laws or regulations prohibit practitioners from adopting this change. The law also introduced new training requirements for all prescribers that will take effect on June 21. States now await further guidance on these requirements. Go here to see the message the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs shared with stakeholders.

COVID-19: By the Numbers

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania and the number of new daily deaths in the past week declined slightly compared to last week.
According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators held steady over the past week while the number in hospital ICUs rose 17 percent.
The CDC reports a 13 percent increase in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19.
For the week ending February 22, two Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 13 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 52 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission – all the same numbers as last week.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – March 1

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00. For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – March 2

The members of PHC4 will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 10:00. For further information about the location of the meeting and its agenda, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Aging – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – March 9

The Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, March 9 at 10:00. For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – March 9

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will offer a training program for adolescent service providers on two dates: March 9 and May 16, both at 8:30. This training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, is designed for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria. The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies. Continuing education credits are available. Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice. Please note that the March 9 and May 16 sessions will be identical.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – March 22

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday March 22 at 1:00. Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold its next public meeting virtually on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00. Go here to register to participate.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

jsteinbock2023-02-24T20:10:53+00:00February 24th, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

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