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PA Health Policy Update for February 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 4-10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

  • Three special elections were held this week to fill vacancies in the state House of Representatives.  Matt Gergley (D) was elected to represent the 35th legislative district, where he will take the seat formerly held by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.  Abigail Salisbury (D) was elected to represent the 34th legislative district, replacing former Representative Summer Lee, who was elected to Congress in November.  Joe McAndrew (D) was elected to represent the 32nd legislative district, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Tony DeLuca.  When the three members are sworn in later this month Democrats will have 102 seats in the House and Republicans will have 100 after Senator-elect Linda Schlegel Culver resigns her House seat to be sworn in to the state Senate.
  • The state House has scheduled additional session days and the chamber will return to session on Monday, February 21. Click here to view the updated calendar.
  • Republican members of the state House Appropriations Committee held a roundtable discussion this week with several Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). Go here to learn more about the event and see a list of the MCO participants.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted information about new medical group provider access to the PROMISe provider internet portal for the reactivation or revalidation of changes of group members.  Starting on February 24, active provider groups that need to reactivate, revalidate, or make changes to group members will be able to log onto the portal with their active group credentials.  Learn more from this DHS notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has issued a health advisory informing providers of an outbreak of highly drug-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with artificial tears products.  No such cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.  Learn more about the outbreak, the condition, and how to identify and treat it from this Department of Health advisory.  Providers who diagnose the condition are asked to report it to the state or their local health department.

The Department of Health has proposed adding mucopolysaccharidosis type II disorder (MPS II) to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening and follow-up as part of the state’s newborn screening program as of July 1.  Learn more about the condition and how to submit written comments in response to this proposed addition to the screening program from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Comments are due within 30 days of the notice’s February 11 official publication.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania rose slightly over the past week and the number of new daily deaths declined slightly.  Both figures fall within the general range for the state in recent months.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs with the virus fell slightly over the past week and the number on ventilators declined 31 percent.
  • The CDC reports no change over the past week in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19.
  • For the week ending February 8, five Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 16 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 46 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has awarded $9 million in grants to four county agencies to establish or expand crisis stabilization services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.  Learn more about the grant recipients and how they are expected to use the money from this department news release.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting – February 13

The Department of Health’s Preventative Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Monday, February 13 at 1:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – WIC Advisory Board – February 14

The Department of Health’s WIC Advisory Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:00 to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation in and improving the WIC program.  For information about how to obtain the meeting agenda and participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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.

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.

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.

 

2023-02-10T21:59:36+00:00February 10th, 2023|COVID-19, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 10
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PA Health Policy Update for February 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 28 to February 3.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has signed an executive order seeking to improve the state’s licensing, permitting, and certification processes, launching a review of how long it takes agencies to process applications and how workers and businesses apply online.  This executive order seeks to establish definitive dates for when applicants for licenses, permits, and certificated will hear back from the state, and if applicants do not receive a response by that date, the agency responsible will refund their application fee.  Learn more from this news release from the governor’s office and from the executive order.

General Assembly

State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver won a special election this week to replace former state Senator John Gordner, who resigned to become counsel to Senate President Kim Ward.  Senator-elect Culver will represent the 27th district, which includes all of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties and part of Luzerne County.  Once she resigns from her state House seat a special election will be scheduled to replace her.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has notified hospitals with accredited Level I, II, III, or IV trauma centers of the required annual attestation for inclusion in the FY 2022-23 Trauma DSH Program.  The deadline to submit completed attestations is February 24.  Potentially eligible trauma centers that have not been notified should contact DHS at RA pwdshpymt@pa.gov.  Questions regarding the attestation form and the Trauma DSH Program also should be directed to this address.
  • DHS has posted information for providers on how to check the status of their electronic Medical Assistance provider enrollment application and what to do if their application was returned for additional information.  Find it here.
  • DHS has posted information for group providers on how to reactivate, revalidate, or make
    changes to group members.  Find it here.
  • DHS’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced a grant program through which qualified entities may apply for funding to invest in technology and training for behavioral health telehealth providers.  The state has allocated $4 million for one-time grants of up to $50,000 for providers that meet a number of criteria, including having fewer than 50 employees and at least 51 percent of their clients enrolled in Medicaid.  Learn more about the program, eligibility criteria, and how to apply from this OMHSAS notice.  Applications will be accepted until December 31 or until the $4 million is exhausted.
  • DHS has posted the presentations offered during the January 26 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.  See presentations from the:

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania declined over the past week and the number of new daily deaths returned to the usual range for COVID-19-related deaths in recent months.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19, on a ventilator because of the virus, and in hospital ICUs with COVID-19 all declined slightly over the past week.
  • The CDC reports an 11 percent decrease in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 over the past week.
  • For the week ending February 2, one Pennsylvania county – Cameron – experienced a low rate of community transmission of COVID-19; seven counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission; eight counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 49 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department is conducting a medical professional liability insurance study to determine whether sufficient capacity exists to increase the basic coverage limits of insurance required by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act.  Learn more about the issues the study will address from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Stakeholder comments are due by March 4.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting – February 13

The Department of Health’s Preventative Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Monday, February 13 at 1:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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.

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.

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.

 

2023-02-03T20:51:28+00:00February 3rd, 2023|COVID-19, Medicaid supplemental payments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 3
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PA Health Policy Update for January 27

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 21-27.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Harrisburg, PA capital buildingGeneral Assembly

  • The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) met this week and approved the release of a report entitled “Prescription Drug Pricing Under the Medical Assistance Managed Care Program.”  Act 120 of 2020 directed LBFC to conduct a study analyzing prescription drug pricing in the Medical Assistance managed care program; review reimbursement practices by PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) to pharmacies and to PBMs by MCOs; investigate and compare reimbursement rates by PBMs to independent pharmacies and to chain pharmacies; and study state laws and best practices adopted by other states regarding PBMs and pharmacy reimbursement.  Find the report here.
  • Although the House has not adopted a rules package or formally established standing committees for the 2023-2024 legislation session, the Republican caucus announced its selections for committee chairs this week.  Representatives Kathy Rapp and Tina Pickett will remain Republican chairs of the Health Committee and the Insurance Committee, respectively, while Doyle Heffley will be the new Republican chair of the Human Services Committee.  In addition, Representative Carl Metzger will be the Republican chair of the Professional Licensure Committee, Steven Mentzer will be the Republican chair of the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, and Linda Schlegel Culver will be the Republican chair of the Children & Youth Committee.  Find the full list of Republican committee chairs here.
  • The state House Democratic Policy Committee convened in Pittsburgh for an informational hearing examining the health care staffing crisis.  Find the meeting agenda and testimony offered during the hearing here.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued a bulletin providing guidance for the implementation of Act 65 of 2020, which governs who can provide consent for voluntary mental health treatment of minors who are 14 years of age and less than 18 years of age in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  Act 65 also addresses which individuals may grant consent for the release of a minor’s medical records.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers that it has increased fees for certain ambulance transportation services on the Medical Assistance fee schedule effective with dates of service on or after January 1, 2023.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has published final notice of the assessment amount, the assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the Nursing Facility Assessment Program for FY 2023.  Learn more about which types of facilities to which the assessment applies and how much their 2023 assessment will be from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • At the January 26 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, DHS’s Office of Long-Term Living offered a presentation on the efforts of the managed care plans that serve Community HealthChoices members to redetermine the eligibility of their current participants in the wake of the upcoming end of continuous Medicaid eligibility and vaccination rates among Community HealthChoices participants.  Find that presentation here.
  • DHS has updated its physical health managed care enrollment report.

Department of Health

Pennsylvania’s Executive Board has approved a reorganization of the Department of Health.  Find an organizational chart that reflects this reorganization in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania held steady over the past week, remaining higher than prior to Thanksgiving, and the number of new daily deaths rose more than 50 percent over the past week after a decline of 50 percent the week before.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 declined seven percent last week after a 14 percent decline the previous week; the number on a ventilator because of the virus remained steady; and the number in hospital ICUs fell 15 percent after a six percent decline the week before.
  • The CDC reports a slight decrease in the seven-day average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 over the past week.
  • As of January 25, four Pennsylvania counties are experiencing a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 15 counties are experiencing a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 48 counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – January 31

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, January 31 at 9:30.  For more information about the board and how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 1

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  Go here for further information about the meeting, its location, and how to participate virtually.

Department of Health – Organ Donation Advisory Committee Meeting – February 2

The Department of Health’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 2 at 10:00.  The purpose of the meeting is to review progress in the area of organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania, recommend education and awareness activities, recommend priorities in expenditures from the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund, and advise the Department of Health on matters involving administration of that fund.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  For further information about the meeting and how to attend, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – February 3

The Department of Health’s Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Friday, February 3 at 10:00.  Meeting materials will be sent out before the meeting and will also be available on the board’s web and at the meeting location.  For further information about the meeting and its location, 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.

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.

 

2023-01-27T21:38:47+00:00January 27th, 2023|COVID-19, long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 27
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PA Health Policy Update for January 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 14-20.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

  • Josh Shapiro was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 48th governor on Tuesday.  Much of the governor’s inaugural speech focused on preserving democracy.  He also highlighted the need for unity and emphasized bringing people together.  Find a transcript of the governor’s speech here.
  • On Wednesday Governor Shapiro issued his first executive order, which prioritizes work experience, skill, and competency for state jobs and highlights that 92 percent of the state’s jobs do not require a four-year college degree.
  • Information about the Shapiro administration’s health-related agency nominees can be found here and a complete list of the Shapiro administration appointments made to date can be found here.

General Assembly

The state Senate convened for voting session this week and the House briefly convened for non-voting session.  Both chambers are now recessed.  The Senate is scheduled to return on Monday, February 27 while the House has yet to release a session calendar.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin rescinding Medical Assistance Bulletin 01-22-78, titled “340B Drug Pricing Program – Dispensing 340B Purchased Drugs,” which was issued on December 22, 2022.  Instead, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-13-08, titled “340B Drug Pricing Program Provider Requirements and Billing Instructions – Pharmacy Services,” remains in effect.  Go here to see the new bulletin rescinding the December 22 version.
  • DHS has extended its calendar for Remittance Advice (RA) notifications and the delivery of electronic payments and checks into early March.  Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers that it has added CPT codes 0124A, 0154A (Pfizer) and 0134A, 0144A (Moderna) to its fee schedule for the administration of a bivalent booster dose COVID-19 vaccine.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has written to stakeholders informing them that it has extended until March 31 its requirement that providers capture consent to treat, service verifications, and approval of treatment plans for Medicaid-funded behavioral health services delivered via telehealth.  At the end of this period providers must have an electronic capability to secure auditable electronic signatures for consent and service verification.  Learn more from OMHSAS’s message to stakeholders.
  • DHS has informed stakeholders that Jennifer (Jen) Smith has joined the department as deputy secretary for OMHSAS.  Smith previously served as Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.  Learn more from DHS’s message to stakeholders.
  • DHS has posted information about an electronic submission process for Medicaid fee-for-service 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation that will soon be available in the PROMISE portal.  Find that information here.
  • DHS has updated its Medicaid managed care organization directory.
  • DHS has published its peer groups, peer group medians, and peer group prices for non-public nursing facilities, including hospital-based nursing facilities and special rehabilitation facilities.  DHS used these peer groups, peer group medians, and peer group prices to determine case-mix rates for non-public nursing facilities for FY 2023.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has published its final annual case-mix per diem payment rates for FY 2023 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medical Assistance program.  Learn about those rates from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its telemedicine interpretive guidance for hospitals.  Find the updated guidance here.
  • DOH has updated its FAQ on innovative care models for hospitals.  Find the updated FAQ here.  The changes, which address critical access hospitals and small rural hospitals, are highlighted in red.
  • DOH has updated its criteria and guidance for establishing an outpatient emergency department.  The changes, which address critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, and rural emergency hospitals, are highlighted in red.  Find the updated guidance here.
  • DOH also has updated its matrix on how facilities can qualify as an innovative hospital model.  Find the updated matrix here.   Changes again are highlighted in red.
  • DOH has issued guidance requiring prospective new owners of skilled nursing facilities to inform facility residents, representatives, and employees of the possibility of a change of ownership of the facility.  Learn more from this DOH guidance.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania declined 27 percent over the past week and the number of new daily deaths, after a 50 percent increase a week ago, returned this week to its level of recent months.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 declined nearly 14 percent last week after an 11 percent decline the previous week; the number on a ventilator because of the virus rose nine percent; and the number in hospital ICUs fell six percent.
  • The CDC reports a five percent decrease in the seven-day average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 over the past week.
  • As of January 18, four Pennsylvania counties are experiencing a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; eight counties are experiencing a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 55 counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission.

Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 is beginning the verification process for hospital self-pay records for fiscal year 2021.  Its self-pay data reconciliation web application on the PHC4 portal enables hospitals to reconcile their self-pay records, which eventually will be provided to DHS to be used as a part of its calculation of the extraordinary expense portion under Act 77 (the state’s 2001 tobacco settlement law).  Find PHC4’s letter to hospitals here and the portal for self-pay records here.

Stakeholder Events

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – January 25

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 25 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate virtually.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 26

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, January 26 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 26

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, January 26 at 10:00.  To learn more about the committee, the location of the meeting, and how to join the meeting virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – January 26

The Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, January 26 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate in this meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Registration is required.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – January 31

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, January 31 at 9:30.  For more information about the board and how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 1

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  Go here for further information about the meeting, its location, and how to participate virtually.

Department of Health – Organ Donation Advisory Committee Meeting – February 2

The Department of Health’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 2 at 10:00.  The purpose of the meeting is to review progress in the area of organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania, recommend education and awareness activities, recommend priorities in expenditures from the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund, and advise the Department of Health on matters involving administration of that fund.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  For further information about the meeting and how to attend, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – February 3

The Department of Health’s Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Friday, February 3 at 10:00.  Meeting materials will be sent out before the meeting and will also be available on the board’s web and at the meeting location.  For further information about the meeting and its location, 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.

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.

2023-01-20T21:47:06+00:00January 20th, 2023|340b, COVID-19, long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 20
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PA Health Policy Update for January 13

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 7-13.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Shapiro-Davis Transition

Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro announced the nomination of several cabinet-level officials this week, including Dr. Valerie Arkoosh as Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Dr. Debra Bogen as Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones as Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Mr. Jason Kavulich as Secretary of the Department of Aging, and Mr. Michael Humphreys as Insurance Commissioner.  All of these nominees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.  Find additional information about the health-related agency nominees’ respective backgrounds here and a complete list of the Shapiro-Davis administration appointments made to date here.

Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Austin Davis will be sworn into office next Tuesday, January 17 at 12:00 p.m.

General Assembly

The state House and Senate both convened this week for a special session to consider a constitutional amendment extending the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse to file civil claims.  The Senate passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 28-20; the bill includes three proposed constitutional amendments.  In addition to extending the statute of limitations, Senate Bill 1 also requires voters to present a valid form of ID before voting in an election and prevents the governor from vetoing the General Assembly’s disapproval of a regulation.  After convening on Monday, the House recessed without agreement.  Speaker Rozzi subsequently appointed a committee of six House members (three Republicans and three Democrats) to negotiate a path forward.

The state Senate is scheduled to return to session Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its web page addressing the unwinding of continuous Medicaid and CHIP eligibility established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to reflect federal legislation that will launch a path toward bringing that continuous eligibility to an end:  specifically, the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 set April 1, 2023 as the end of continuous coverage for Medical Assistance and CHIP.  After April 1, DHS will return to normal eligibility processes.  This means that all Medical Assistance and CHIP recipients must complete an annual renewal to see if they are still eligible for coverage.  Learn more from DHS’s web page addressing the unwinding of continuous Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.
  • DHS will hold a COMPASS Community Partner technical assistance call on Tuesday, January 24 at 1:00 that may address this subject, among other matters.  Go here to register (the registration deadline is January 17) and to submit questions to be addressed during the meeting.
  • DHS has published a co-location regulatory change that has been under development since 2021.  The purpose of change is to eliminate a prohibition against providers leasing or renting space, shelves, or equipment within a provider’s office to another provider or from allowing the paid or unpaid staff of a provider to be placed in another provider’s office.  As the published announcement explains, “Developments in the health care industry have emphasized the need for integrated health care.  The Department recognizes the benefits of integrated care and deletes this subsection to support the enrollment in the Medical Assistance (MA) Program of providers that share space (co-locating providers).  By expanding provider qualifications to include co-locating providers, the Department seeks to support more coordinated and integrated care within the MA Program.”  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has released quarterly licensing and enforcement activity data for its five licensing offices that oversee providers of long-term care, child care, behavioral health care, day activity programs, and residential care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.  Learn more about the outcome of these licensing and enforcement efforts from this DHS news release.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CMS has shared a presentation with states addressing how they can work with Medicaid managed care plans to review the eligibility of current Medicaid beneficiaries once the continuous eligibility requirement for current Medicaid participants ends on April 1.  Learn more from the CMS presentation “Strategic Approaches to Engaging Managed Care Plans to Maximize Continuity of Coverage as States Resume Normal Eligibility and Enrollment Operations.”

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory informing providers that as of January 1 it has introduced a new surveillance case definition for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) for reporting cases of MIS-C.  Providers are required to report cases that meet the new criteria to their local health department.  Learn more from this health advisory.

DOH and Berks County will be the nation’s first to test a new federal COVID-19 Home Test to Treat Pilot Program run by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).  Learn more about the program from this DOH news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania declined slightly over the past week but the number of new daily deaths rose nearly 50 percent over the high end of the death rate in recent months.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 declined nearly 11 percent over the past week; the number on a ventilator because of the virus fell 20 percent; and the number in hospital ICUs held steady.
  • The CDC reports a five percent decrease in the seven-day average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 over the past week.
  • As of January 11, four Pennsylvania counties – Forest, McKean, Potter, and Sullivan – are experiencing a low rate of community transmission of COVID-19; nine counties are experiencing a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 54 counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

Information bulletins that have been removed are:

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee – January 18

The Department of Health’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 18 at 9:00.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  Learn more about the committee, where the meeting will be held, and how to participate virtually from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – January 20

The Department of  Health’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Friday, January 20 at 10:00.  To learn more about the committee, the location of the meeting, and how to join the meeting virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – COMPASS Community Partner Technical Assistance Call – January 24

DHS will hold a COMPASS Community Partner technical assistance call on Tuesday, January 24 at 1:00.  Go here to register (the registration deadline is January 17) and to submit questions to be addressed during the meeting.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – January 25

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 25 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate virtually.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 26

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, January 26 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 26

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, January 26 at 10:00.  To learn more about the committee, the location of the meeting, and how to join the meeting virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – January 26

The Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, January 26 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate in this meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Registration is required.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – January 31

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, January 31 at 9:30.  For more information about the board and how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 1

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00.  Interested parties may attend in person or virtually.  Go here for further information about the meeting, its location, and how to participate virtually.

2023-01-13T20:52:23+00:00January 13th, 2023|COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for January 13
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, December 2

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of November 28 to December 2, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has announced ​the availability of more than $9 million in state grant funding for Single County Authorities to establish or expand crisis stabilization services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.  Grants of up to $3 million will be awarded to eligible Single County Authorities and can be applied toward a range of activities, including construction and building infrastructure, staffing, and programming.  Learn more about how the state envisions counties using this money from this announcement from the governor’s office.

Governor-Elect Shapiro

The Shapiro-Davis transition team announced that Dana Fritz will serve as chief of staff in a new Shapiro administration.  Immediately prior to joining the incoming administration, Ms. Fritz, a long-time aide to Shapiro, served as his campaign manager.  Find additional information about the transition here.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has released its monthly revenue update for November.  General Fund revenue collections were $201.9 million, or 6.8 percent, below estimate for the month.  The shortfall is due, in part, to personal income tax revenue being deposited in December rather than November. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $15.7 billion, which is $183.2 million, or 1.2 percent, above estimate.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its intent to update the qualifying criteria and payment methodology for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (Medicaid DSH) and supplemental payments to Medical Assistance-enrolled and qualifying emergency departments in acute-care general hospitals by adding references to the report used in determining the eligibility for and the payment amounts beginning FY 2022-2023.  This announcement appears to be a codification of current state policy.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced that it plans to expand the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program to serve Carbon County and Monroe County as one area and is soliciting expressions of interest in serving this area.  Learn more about the LIFE program, DHS’s intentions for Carbon and Monroe counties, and the process for pursuing an opportunity to establish a LIFE program in those counties from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • CMS has written to states to remind them that with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs will be required to provide coverage for approved adult vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without cost-sharing for certain enrollees beginning October 1, 2023.  Learn more from this CMS notice.
  • DHS has circulated the minutes of the October 26 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee.  Find those minutes here.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) issued a press release announcing its plans to distribute approximately $11.7 million in federal CDC funding to help long-term-care facilities build resilience to sustain quality care.  The money will be invested for purposes such as workforce development, staff retention, and infrastructure developments that support infection prevention control and emergency preparedness.  Eligible applicants include skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and intermediate care facilities.  Learn more about the program and find links to additional information about it here.  The deadline for applying for funding is December 31.
  • DOH has issued a health alert informing health care providers of a recent increase in reports of mushroom poisoning received by poison control centers in the state.  The majority of these cases have involved individuals consuming wild mushrooms foraged from backyards, public parks, wooded areas, and other locations in the southeastern part of the state.  Learn more from this department health alert.
  • DOH has updated the guidelines and fees that health care providers and facilities may charge in response to requests for production of medical charts or records.  Learn more, including the new fees, from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • In preparation for the holiday season, DOH has established ten temporary COVID-19 testing and home test distribution sites across the state.  Go here for information about the location and hours for these sites.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania and the number of new deaths has remained steady in recent weeks, with the state averaging about 1400 new daily cases and 16-20 new daily deaths.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19, on ventilators because of the virus, and in hospital ICUs remains relatively steady as well.
  • The CDC reports a modest decrease in the seven-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 hospital admissions.
  • As of November 30, 38 Pennsylvania counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; 26 are experiencing substantial rates of community transmission; and three counties are experiencing moderate rates of community transmission.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

PHC4 has issued “COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Report,” to provide data on the effect of the COVID-19 emergency on the financial performance of Pennsylvania hospitals and health care facilities.  According to the report, Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems reported $206 million in COVID-19 costs, between related expenses and revenue losses, for the period April-June of 2022.  Total COVID-19-related expenses and lost revenue reported by Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems through December 2021 are $7.8 billion but these figures do not reflect emergency funding provided under federal or state laws.  Learn more from this PHC4 news release and the report itself.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 7

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00.  Interested parties can join the meeting in person or via webinar.  For information about the location of the meeting and how to join virtually, see this DHS notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – December 7

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – December 8

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Thursday, December 8 at 1:00; individuals also may participate virtually.  For more information about the meeting, including its location and how to join virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Aging – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – December 8

The Department of Aging’s Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council will meet publicly on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  For information about how to attend in person or virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – December 8

The board of directors of the state’s Patient Safety Authority will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 1:00.  Learn about how to register for and participate in this meeting from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 8

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2022-12-05T13:53:45+00:00December 2nd, 2022|COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, Medicaid supplemental payments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, December 2
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 18

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of November 14-18, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor-Elect Shapiro

Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro held a press conference Wednesday, November 16 along with Governor Wolf and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Austin Davis to discuss the gubernatorial transition process.  The governor-elect announced that Akbar Hossain, who previously served as his campaign’s policy director, will be executive director of the transition.  Amanda Warren, formerly director of finance for the campaign, will serve as executive director of the inauguration.  Additional transition announcements will be made in the coming weeks.  Further information about the transition will be available here.

General Election Update

State Representative Todd Stephens (R-151) conceded to his challenger, Melissa Cerrato (D), yesterday afternoon.  Representative Stephens’ concession gives Democrats the 102 seats needed to control the state House of Representatives; Republicans have 101 seats.  The initial path forward for Democratic control is unclear, however, because of three impending vacancies in the Democratic caucus that will require special elections in early 2023.

General Assembly Update

  • The state House and Senate briefly convened for voting session this week – the final voting session of the year.  Both chambers will return to Harrisburg for the commencement of the new legislative session on January 3.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee held a hearing on Tuesday to examine the Behavioral Health Commission’s recommendations for the allocation of $100 million earmarked in the FY 2023 budget.  Testimony and a recording of the hearing may be viewed here.
  • The Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses held leadership elections this week for the new legislative session.  Senator Kim Ward (R-39) was elected the state’s first female Senate President Pro Tempore.  Senator Joe Pittman (R-41) was elected majority leader and Senator Scott Martin (R-13) was chosen chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  Senator Jay Costa (D-43) was re-elected by his caucus to serve as minority leader.  A complete list of the Senate Republican leadership team can be found here and a list of the Senate Democratic leadership team can be found here.

Department of Human Services

  • As of December 5, DHS is adding a new procedure code to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for COVID-19 tests provided to Medicaid beneficiaries and removing the previous code for those tests.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS will increase Medical Assistance fees for certain ambulance transportation services beginning on January 1.  Learn more, including the new fees, from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission has received final form rulemaking from DHS that would effectively rescind a provision in existing regulations that prohibits providers from co-locating or leasing space to another provider within a provider’s office.  This change was originally proposed in July 2021 and the commission is expected to approve the change at its December 8 meeting.  Find notice of the action in this Pennsylvania Bulletin listing.
  • Next month, DHS’s Office of Long-Term Living will submit a proposed amendment to Pennsylvania’s OBRA 1915(c) home and community-based waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language and to see the amendment in its entirety, go to the OLTL Waiver Amendments, Renewals, and Accompanying HCBS Transition Plans webpage and select “2023 OBRA Waiver Amendment” under “Additional Resources.”  For additional information about the proposed amendment and how to submit written comments, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to December 14.
  • Next month, DHS’s Office of Long-Term Living will submit to CMS a proposed amendment to Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices 1915(c) home and community-based waiver.  To view a side-by-side comparison of the current and revised language and see the amendment in its entirety, go to the OLTL Waiver Amendments, Renewals, and Accompanying HCBS Transition Plans webpage and select “2023 Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver Amendment” under “Additional Resources.”  Learn more about the proposed amendment from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to December 14.
  • DHS is making available for public review and comment the Office of Long-Term Living’s proposed home and community-based services provider sites that qualified for heightened scrutiny under CMS requirements.  Learn more about the types of sites to which this requirement applies and DHS’s actions to bring them into compliance with federal standards from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania over the past week declined 18 percent while the number of deaths remains unchanged.  The state is now averaging more than 1400 new reported cases a day and about 19 daily deaths.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators because of the virus remains relatively steady but the number in hospital ICUs fell 16 percent from the last week after two weeks of rising totals.
  • The CDC reports a modest decrease in the seven-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 hospital admissions.
  • As of November 18, 27 Pennsylvania counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; 34 are experiencing substantial rates of community transmission; and six counties are experiencing moderate rates of community transmission.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

PHC4 has published “Financial Analysis 2021:  Rehabilitation • Psychiatric • Long-Term Acute Care • Specialty:  An Annual Report on the Financial Health of Pennsylvania Non-GAC Hospitals.”  The report’s highlights include:

  • During FY 2021, the operating margin for rehabilitation hospitals was 9.19 percent, for psychiatric hospitals was negative 2.86 percent, for long-term acute-care hospitals was 8.98 percent, and for specialty hospitals was negative 11.76 percent.
  • During FY 2021, the total margin for rehabilitation hospitals was 12.04 percent, for psychiatric hospitals was negative 3.02 percent, for long-term acute-care hospitals was 7.76 percent, and for specialty hospitals was 9.9 percent.
  • As a group, the foregone dollar value of uncompensated care for non-general acute-care hospitals decreased 6.19 percent, or $1.1 million, from $18.7 million during FY 2020 to $17.7 million in FY 2021.  Uncompensated care as a percentage of net patient revenue in FY 2021 among non-general acute-care hospitals ranged from 0.22 percent for long-term acute-care hospitals to 1.44 percent for psychiatric hospitals.

Learn more about the PHC4 report from this news release and the report itself.  In addition, go here to download data from the report in Excel format.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 7

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00.  Interested parties can join the meeting in person or via webinar.  For information about the location of the meeting and how to join virtually, see this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – December 8

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Thursday, December 8 at 1:00; individuals also may participate virtually.  For more information about the meeting, including its location and how to join virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – December 7

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 8

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2022-11-18T22:22:41+00:00November 18th, 2022|COVID-19, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 18
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of November 7-10, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

2022 Election Update

While the results are not official, current Democratic Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman has defeated Republican Mehmet Oz to replace retiring U.S. Senator Pat Toomey. Pennsylvania’s congressional incumbents all won another term. The state’s two open congressional seats (PA-12 and PA-17) were captured by Summer Lee (D) and Chris Deluzio (D), respectively.

At the state level, Democrat Josh Shapiro, the state’s current Attorney General, defeated Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano and will be Pennsylvania’s next governor.

Republicans will retain control of the state Senate with 28 of the chamber’s 50 seats; they have been in the majority in the Senate since 1994.  In an unanticipated outcome, Democrats made significant gains in the state House, and as of Thursday afternoon, November 10, are in striking distance of having a majority.  A handful of House races remain too close to officially call and may be headed for a recount. Except for a four-year period from 2007 through 2010, Republicans have been in the majority in the House since 1995.

Come January, Pennsylvania will have a new governor, a vacancy at Attorney General, and nearly a quarter of the General Assembly’s members will be new so there will be changes in caucus and committee leadership.

General Assembly

As of Thursday afternoon, the state House is schedule to return to session on Monday, November 14 and the Senate is scheduled to return on Tuesday, November 15.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m.. to review the recently released Behavioral Health Commission report. The hearing can be livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

Department of Health

The Department of Health has written to nursing home administrators to inform them that temporary nurse aides (TNAs) hired on or before June 6, 2022 have until the end of the federal public health emergency or April 5, 2023, whichever date comes first, to successfully pass the nurse aide exams and have their name enrolled on the Nurse Aide Registry.  Find that letter here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania continues to fall in the 1700-1800 a day range while the number of deaths is generally between 17 and 20 a day.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19, on ventilators because of the virus, and in hospital ICUs because of the disease remained relatively steady over the past week.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 7

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00.  Interested parties can join the meeting in person or via webinar.  For information about the location of the meeting and how to join virtually, see this DHS notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – December 7

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 8

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

2022-11-14T21:35:19+00:00November 10th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 10
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 4

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of October 31 to November 4, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf signed 66 bills into law this week and vetoed one, Senate Bill 736.  The following is a selection of health care-related bills signed into law by the governor.

  • House Bill 220, which is now Act 101 of 2022, specifies that a person does not need to test positive for drugs to begin addiction treatment.
  • House Bill 1393, which is now Act 111 of 2022, seeks to prevent overdose deaths by legalizing fentanyl test strips for personal use.
  • House Bill 2293, which is now Act 128 of 2022, requires the registration and oversight of contract health care service agencies that provide temporary employment in certain health care facilities.
  • House Bill 2527, which is now Act 135 of 2022, expands Pennsylvania’s “Good Samaritan” law to cover all opioid reversal medicines approved by the FDA.
  • House Bill 2800, which is now Act 143 of 2022, amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania.
  • Senate Bill 225, which is now Act 146 of 2022, streamlines and standardizes the process for prior authorization of medical services.  The Insurance Department has issued a news release about this new law.
  • Senate Bill 522, which is now Act 150 of 2022, requires all pregnant women and children in Pennsylvania to receive blood tests to detect lead poisoning.

General Election

The 2022 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 8.  Pennsylvanians will be voting for one U.S. Senate seat, 17 U.S. House of Representatives seats, governor, half of the 50 state Senate seats, and all 203 state House seats.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance to hospitals’ response to COVID-19 to reflect the October 31 expiration of the COVID-19 state regulatory waivers and flexibilities. Find the updated guidance here.  At the same time, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its list of regulations that have been suspended in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Find the updated list here and scroll down to see the latest regulation suspensions that have expired; they are highlighted in red.
  • DOH has issued a health advisory about the increase in the number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nationally and in the state.  The alert describes the virus, outlines testing and treatment recommendations, and asks providers to report laboratory-confirmed RSV cases to DOH through Pennsylvania’s electronic reportable disease surveillance system,  PA-NEDSS.  It also urges providers to report outbreaks or clusters of severe respiratory illness, regardless of etiology, to the state and local health departments.  Find the advisory here.
  • DOH has issued a news release outlining the changes in the state’s regulations for skilled nursing facilities that have been approved by Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission and now await review by the state’s Attorney General.
  • DOH has released a request for applications for its Long-Term Care Quality Investment Pilot, which will distribute approximately $11.7 million in federal funds to long-term-care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and intermediate-care facilities for the purpose of building resilience.  These funds are designed to be invested in key areas such as workforce development and retention, infection prevention control, emergency preparedness, and improvements to facility infrastructure.  To apply for this funding, facilities must participate in the state’s LTC RISE program’s quality improvement projects and cannot be located in Philadelphia.  Find the state’s request for applications here and learn about LTC RISE here.  The application deadline is December 31.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that Pennsylvania has received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend its postpartum coverage period for mothers and birthing people eligible for Medicaid because of their pregnancy from 60 days to 12 months.  Learn more from this DHS news release.
  • DHS has extended into early January of 2023 its Remittance Advice calendar for mailing checks and electronically sending Medicaid payments.  Find the updated calendar here.
  • In response to the passage and signing of House Bill 1630 (now Act 98), which addresses, among other things, the delivery of some mental health and substance use services, DHS’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has written to stakeholders to advise them of some of the new law’s implications and to list the sections of the Pennsylvania Code the new law repeals.  Find the OMHSAS message to stakeholders here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers who are not a recognized provider type under the Medical Assistance program that they now may enroll in the program for the purpose of billing for cost-sharing for services provided to beneficiaries who receive both Medicare and Medicaid.  This bulletin also provides information on how to complete and submit an enrollment application.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has added a procedure code to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued Medical Assistance Bulletins addressing requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for:

These requirements take effect on January 9, 2023.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania over the past week rose 12 percent after a decline of 12 percent the week before; the number of deaths rose slightly.  The state is averaging more than 1800 new reported cases a day and about 19 daily deaths.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators because of the virus remains relatively steady but the number in hospital ICUs (172) is at its highest level since early March.
  • The CDC reports a modest increase in the seven-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 hospital admissions after a 15 percent decrease last week.
  • As of November 4, 54 Pennsylvania counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; 13 are experiencing substantial rates of community transmission; and Cameron County is experiencing a moderate rates of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – State Child Death Review Team – November 9

The Department of Health’s State Child Death Review Team will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Wednesday, November 9 at 10:00.  The state’s Child Death Review Program provides training and technical assistance to local Child Death Review teams.  This meeting will focus on suicide deaths.  For information about the location of the meeting and the Child Death Review Team, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 7

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00.  Interested parties can join the meeting in person or via webinar.  For information about the location of the meeting and how to join virtually, see this DHS notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – December 7

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 8

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2022-11-04T20:15:28+00:00November 4th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 4
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, October 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of October 24-28, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf signed House Bill 1630 into law earlier today.  Act 98, as it is now known, gives the Pennsylvania Auditor General authority to audit and review pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that subcontract with Medicaid managed care organizations.  In addition, the bill abrogates a number of regulations to permit the following:

  • audio-only outpatient psychiatric services
  • telehealth services in outpatient drug and alcohol clinic services
  • virtual supervision for psychiatric rehabilitation services
  • physician assistants and nurse practitioners to order home care, home health services, and personal care services under the supervision of a physician

House Chamber of the State HouseGeneral Assembly

The state House and Senate convened for session this week.  The following is an overview of selected health-related legislation that received consideration.

  • The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2293, which requires the registration and oversight of contract health care service agencies that provide temporary employment in certain health care facilities, and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The Senate also unanimously passed House Bill 1393, which seeks to prevent overdose deaths by legalizing fentanyl test strips for personal use, and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 225, which seeks to streamline and standardize the process for prior authorization of medical services, on third and final consideration Wednesday.  The Senate subsequently voted to concur with the House amendments and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The House passed Senate Bill 522, which requires all pregnant women and children in Pennsylvania to receive blood tests to detect lead poisoning, on third and final consideration Wednesday.  The Senate concurred with the House amendments and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 2527, which expands Pennsylvania’s “Good Samaritan” law to cover all opioid reversal medicines approved by the FDA, on third and final consideration and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 220, which specifies that a person does not need to test positive for drugs to begin addiction treatment.  The House subsequently concurred with the Senate’s amendment, which added language that enables counties to establish overdose death or suicide review teams, and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2800, which amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania, and sent it to the governor for his signature.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 358, which categorizes maternal deaths and severe maternal morbidity complications as reportable events within the Department of Health and requires the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to submit a report including each reportable event to the Department of Health.  The bill was received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.

The state House and Senate are now in recess until the week on Monday, November 14.

Department of Health

Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission has approved the first significant revision of the state’s nursing home regulations since the late 1990s.  Among other things, the updated regulations call for higher levels of nurse staffing and publication of changes in the ownership of nursing homes.  The Department of Health also will have to take a more rigorous approach to determining whether it will accept or reject such transactions.  Learn more from this Philadelphia Inquirer article.  A formal notice of the adoption of these new rules should be published shortly in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The Department of Health has lowered the age at which individuals may request a copy of their birth certificate in Pennsylvania from 18 to 16 and introduced a new waiver to enable individuals aged 16-24 who are, or have been, involved in foster care or juvenile justice to obtain their birth certificate without the $20 fee; the same fee waiver will apply to homeless persons.  Learn more from this Department of Health news release.

Department of Human Services

  • The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Pennsylvania’s application to extend Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for newborns and their mothers to 12 months of postpartum care, an option temporarily available to states under the American Rescue Plan.  Learn more from this CMS news release.
  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued the publication “5 Things to Know About the End of the Federal Public Health Emergency.”  While the Medicaid-focused publication is primarily directed to consumers, it includes explanations providers can use when interacting with Medicaid patients and resources to which those who work with Medicaid beneficiaries can direct those clients and patients.  Find that publication here.
  • DHS has posted the presentations delivered during the October 27 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.  See the presentations from the:
  • DHS has closed the county assistance office in the Nicetown/Ridge Avenue area of Philadelphia and is directing residents of that area to other offices in Philadelphia.  Learn more from this DHS news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania over the past week declined nearly 12 percent; the number of deaths was unchanged.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs and on ventilators because of the virus remains relatively steady while the CDC reports a 15 percent decrease in the seven-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 hospital admissions.
  • The decline in the number of reported COVID-19 cases is reflected in the rate of community transmission among Pennsylvania counties – a major shift after months of virtually all counties experiencing high rates of community transmission with scattered counties occasionally experiencing only substantial rates.  As of October 26, 34 counties are experiencing high rates of community transmission; 31 are experiencing substantial rates of community transmission; and two counties – Clarion and Snyder – are experiencing moderate rates of community transmission, the first Pennsylvania counties to see their rate decline to this level in months.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has published “Common Procedures Report – October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 Data.”  The report shares volume and outcome information for three common orthopedic procedures – spinal fusion, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement – performed in Pennsylvania acute-care hospitals that typically perform these procedures on adults.  For further information, including a news release, data, a report summary, the report itself, and more, go here.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Support Subcommittee – November 2

The Managed Long-Term Services and Support Subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet publicly on Wednesday, November 2 at 10:00 in Harrisburg.  Interested parties may attend in person or via webinar; those participating through the webinar must register in advance.  For information about the location of the meeting, how to join it virtually, how to register, and how to offer comments or submit questions, see this DHS notice.

Department of Health – Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee – November 2

The Department of Health’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Wednesday, November 2 at 9:00.  Interested parties can participate in person or virtually.  For further information about the committee, the meeting, and how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Organ Donation Advisory Committee Meeting – November 3

The Department of Health’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg on Thursday, November 3 at 10:00.  Interested parties can participate in person or virtually.  For further information about the committee, the meeting, and how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Trauma-Informed Care – November 3

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on trauma-informed care for skilled nursing facilities.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, November 3 at 2:00.  Learn more about the webinar and how to participate from this notice.

PHC4 – PHC4 Council Meeting – November 3

PHC4 will hold a regular council meeting at 10:00 on Thursday, November 3.  An agenda will be available here 24 hours in advance.  The public is invited to participate; contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance for participation instructions.

Department of Health – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board Meeting – November 4

The Department of Health’s Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting in Camp Hill, PA on Friday, November 4 at 10:00.  For information about the role of the board, the purpose of the meeting, and the location of the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Management Strategies When Working With Individuals With Acquired Brain Injuries – November 10

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on understanding basic management strategies for working with individuals with acquired brain injuries.  The

webinar will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 2:00.  Learn more about the webinar and how to participate from this notice.

2022-10-28T19:54:44+00:00October 28th, 2022|COVID-19, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, October 28
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Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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