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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 11-15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of April 11-15, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Harrisburg, PA capital buildingGeneral Assembly

  • The state House and Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week.
  • The House concurred with the Senate’s amendment to House Bill 245 and sent it to the governor’s desk.  House Bill 245 reduces the clinical residency requirement from three years to two years for an applicant who has graduated from an international medical college to receive licensure in Pennsylvania.
  • The House passed on third and final consideration House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses, and House Bill 2419, which expands access to outpatient psychiatric care via telemedicine.  These bills will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate passed on third and final consideration Senate Bill 1172, which authorizes the establishment of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs by hospitals, mandates the creation of a comprehensive list of such programs, and authorizes a grant program to establish and support SANE services.  The bill was received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 regarding “Opioids in the Commonwealth:  Lessons learned and next steps.”  A recording of the meeting may be viewed here.
  • The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee favorably reported House Bill 2097, which makes permanent a COVID-19 regulatory waiver that permits certified emergency personnel, such as firefighters with specific first-aid, CPR, and emergency vehicle training, to drive ambulances with an EMT on board.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 to examine long-term-care facility workforce challenges.  A recording of the meeting may be viewed here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, April 12 and favorably reported the following bills.
    • Senate Bill 749, which seeks to provide clarity for employees and employers regarding current ambiguity in the state’s medical marijuana law concerning the use of medical marijuana in the workplace.
    • Senate Bill 1121, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to verify wage records from employers and the Department of Revenue for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
    • Senate Bill 1124, which requires DHS to check death certificates at the Bureau of Vital Statistics against Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
    • Senate Bill 1188, which seeks to increase awareness, testing, and access to treatment for Lyme disease.

A recording of the hearing may be viewed here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a file note summarizing the March 10 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed care delivery system subcommittee.

DHS has announced the addition of two procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the provision of personal care services by home health agencies to beneficiaries under 21 years of age, effective with dates of service on and after May 1, 2022.  Find those procedure codes in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance for reporting on point-of-care COVID-19 test results to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with revised federal requirements.  See the new guidance here.
  • DOH has updated its information about state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing sites to reflect that it currently operates such sites in Berks, Centre, and Clinton counties and at Edinboro University in Erie.  Learn more about the locations and hours of operation in this department news release.
  • DOH has posted new online resources for providers and the public to learn about and support

Pennsylvanians who may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.  The new information comes in response to a law passed by the legislature earlier this year and signed by Governor Wolf requiring the administration to provide such information.  Go here to find the resources for providers and here to view resources for the public.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts climbed for the third consecutive week.  The state’s seven-day average of new cases rose nearly 24 percent, from 797 cases on April 5 to 986 on April 13.
  • On the other hand, the number of new COVID-19-related deaths continues to decline, from a seven-day average of 17 on April 5 to just 10 on April 13.
  • The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania has not led to increases in hospital care for COVID-19 patients:  during the past week the number of residents in hospital ICUs because of the virus and being treated with ventilators has remained steady while the number admitted to hospitals has risen only seven percent since the beginning of the month.
  • During the past week five Pennsylvania counties – up from two last week – experienced  high rates of transmission of COVID-19 (Potter, Bradford, Susquehanna, Columbia, and Pike); five counties – the same number as last week – experienced a low rate of community transmission (Bedford, Fulton, Juniata, Elk, and Sullivan); and 15 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission while another 42 experienced a moderate rate.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has issued a news release describing its recent talks with state Attorney General Shapiro and other officials about how Pennsylvania might use its share of the national opioid settlement – as much as $1.07 billion – to address substance use challenges in the state.  Learn more here.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has published a policy statement that will permit insurers to ask applicants to voluntarily provide race and ethnicity data on insurance applications in an effort to promote equity initiatives.  The new statement of policy ends enforcement of a prohibition on such data collection published in 1969.  Learn more about this policy change in this department news release and see the policy statement in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee – April 21

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 21 at 10:30.  The purpose of this meeting is to review the committee’s work, review the status and progress of the current request for applications, reaffirm priorities, evaluate and refine the process to review the next spinal cord research applications, and address emerging issues.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Behavioral Health Services for the Nursing Facility Population – April 26 and May 3

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Living, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), the HealthChoices behavioral health managed care organizations, and the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations will host a joint webinar on the importance of providing behavioral health services in nursing facilities and making sure nursing facilities know how to gain access to these services.  The webinar will be held two more times and the material presented will be the same at each session.  The webinars will be recorded.  The session on Tuesday, April 26 will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.  The session on Tuesday, May 3 also will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – April 28

The Department of Human Services’ Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will meet by teleconference on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Join the meeting at 866-588-4789 and use conference ID code 211 418 005#.

Patient Safety Authority – April 28

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting of its board on Thursday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to participate see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 6

The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 6 at 10:00 at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive in Harrisburg, in the Dauphin Conference Room.  To learn more about the meeting, and for information about how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 10

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00.  To register to participate, go here.

2022-04-15T20:31:51+00:00April 15th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 11-15
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 4-8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of April 4-8, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

  • The state Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week.
  • The Senate passed House Bill 245 on third and final consideration this week.  House Bill 245, which will be sent back to the House for concurrence, reduces the clinical residency requirement from three years to two years for an applicant who has graduated from an international medical college to receive licensure in Pennsylvania.
  • The state House and Senate will both be in session next Monday (4/11), Tuesday (4/12), and Wednesday (4/13).
  • As indicated by the House Republican Caucus “Week Ahead,” the House is planning to consider, among other bills, House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses, and House Bill 2419, which expands access to outpatient psychiatric care via telemedicine.
  • Several committee meetings are scheduled for next week.  The following are health-related.
    • The House Health Committee will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 at 8:00 a.m. regarding “Opioids in the Commonwealth:  Lessons learned and next steps.”
    • The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m. to consider House Bill 2097, which would make permanent a COVID-19 regulatory waiver that allows certified emergency personnel, such as firefighters with specific first-aid, CPR, and emergency vehicle training, to drive ambulances with an EMT on board.
    • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. to examine long-term-care facility workforce challenges.
    • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
      • Senate Bill 749, which seeks to provide clarity for employees and employers regarding current ambiguity in the state’s medical marijuana law concerning the use of medical marijuana in the workplace.
      • Senate Bill 1121, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to verify wage records from employers and the Department of Revenue for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
      • Senate Bill 1124, which requires DHS to check death certificates at the Bureau of Vital Statistics against Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
      • Senate Bill 1188, which seeks to increase awareness, testing, and access to treatment for Lyme disease.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has added two procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for use in laboratory testing for multiple respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, effective with dates of service on and after March 21, 2022.  Find the new codes in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin addressed to hospital emergency departments, county mental health/intellectual disability administrators, base service units, mental health review officers, and county crisis intervention programs to clarify the part of the Mental Health Procedures Act referring to the involuntary commitment process under section 302 and the 120-hour limit on holding a consumer for involuntary emergency examination and treatment.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has circulated the minutes of the March 24 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.
  • DHS has updated its “Monthly Physical Health Managed Care Program Enrollment Report” to include February 22 data.
  • CMS has released its 2022-2023 Medicaid managed care rate development guide.  This is a federal resource for states to use when setting capitation rates for Medicaid managed care plans.  The guide provides details about information that must be included in states’ actuarial rate certifications for CMS to review and approve for rate periods between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.  Find the guide here.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has introduced minor updates of its guidance for hospitals and health systems on “whether measures being implemented or contemplated are compliant with the statutory and regulatory requirements under the jurisdiction of the Department.”  Among other things, the guidance cites June 30, 2022 as the end date for certain regulatory suspensions that were continued through that date by Act 14 of 2022.  Find the updated guidance here.
  • DOH has updated its COVID-19 booster vaccine recommendations to reflect recent changes in CDC guidelines.
  • DOH has updated its reporting requirements for COVID-19 test results to bring them in line with revised federal requirements.
  • DOH has updated information about therapeutics to prevent and treat COVID-19 to reflect federal guidance barring the use of sotrovimab to treat COVID-19 because it is not effective in treating the Omicron BA.2 variant, which is the predominant COVID-19 variant in the country today.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts climbed for the second consecutive week.  The state’s seven-day average of new cases rose nearly 26 percent, from 585 cases on March 31 to 737 on April 7.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths declined slightly, on the other hand, with the seven-day average of new deaths down by one, from 18 on March 31 to 17 on April 7.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians receiving hospital care for COVID-19, in hospital ICU units, and on ventilators because of the virus held steady over the past week.
  • After three weeks with no counties experiencing a high rate of transmission of COVID-19, two Pennsylvania counties found themselves in that category in the past week:  Bradford and Pike.  Another eight counties – Potter, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Adams, Susquehanna, Montour, Wayne, and Northampton – experienced substantial rates of community transmission.  Five counties – up from three last week – experienced low levels of community transmission:  Forest, Cameron, Snyder, Juniata, and Fulton.  The remaining 52 Pennsylvania counties had moderate rates of community transmission over the past week.  Find community transmission and other Pennsylvania-specific COVID-19 data here.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – April 12

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, April 12 at 10:00.  To register to participate, go here.  The dial-in number is 631-992-3221 and the access code is 766121118#.

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board Virtual Meeting – April 13

The Department of Aging’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 13 at 8:30.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee – April 21

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 21 at 10:30.  The purpose of this meeting is to review the committee’s work, review the status and progress of the current request for applications, reaffirm priorities, evaluate and refine the process to review the next spinal cord research applications, and address emerging issues.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 10

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00.  To register to participate, go here.

2022-04-08T20:56:17+00:00April 8th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 4-8
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of March 28-April 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of March 28-April 1, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Bookshelf with law booksGovernor Wolf

Governor Wolf has signed into law Senate Bill 1019, which temporarily extends certain suspensions of regulations and statutes that were issued by agencies under the COVID-19 disaster declaration through June 30, 2022.

General Assembly

  • The House Health Committee convened on Tuesday, March 29 and favorably reported House Bill 2357, which prohibits the preparation, manufacture, sale, or distribution of unsafe kratom products, and House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Tuesday and favorably reported House Bill 2419, which expands access to outpatient psychiatric care via telemedicine.
  • The state Senate will be in session next Monday (4/4), Tuesday (4/5), and Wednesday (4/6). The House will be in recess next week.

Revenue Collection Update

The Independent Fiscal Office has released its March 2022 Revenue Update.  General Fund collections for March were $579.2 million or 11.6 percent above estimate.  Year-to-date General Fund revenue is $3.04 billion or 9.8 percent more than projected.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has informed providers that effective Friday, April 1 at 12:00 a.m. the current Medical Assistance Provider Forms webpage will no longer be accessible.  Instead, providers may order and receive Medical Assistance provider forms here.  Find updated instructions here.  DHS also offered the following explanation to stakeholders:

Over the next few months, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is transitioning web-based forms to a new enterprise solution. While we strive to provide a seamless transition, we understand there may be issues along the way. If you have any bookmarked links, they may no longer work. If you are trying to access an old link that no longer works, please go to https://www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/Publications/Pages/Express-Forms-Transition.aspx for a list of affected forms.

We understand that there may be confusion and issues that arise during this transition, and we appreciate your patience. If you identify a problem following the transition, please reach out to DHS’s Digital Communications Team at RA-PWDHSSOCIALMEDIA@pa.gov and we will assist you as we are able.

  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers that the Medical Assistance program is extending postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months beginning on April 1 and that this applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance program.  Find the bulletin here.
  • As part of the response to the COVID-19 emergency, numerous state regulatory requirements were suspended by the legislature and DHS to facilitate an effective, timely response to the pandemic.  Over time, some of those suspended requirements have been restored.  DHS has updated its collection of regulatory requirements to reflect which suspensions remain in effect and which have been lifted.  Find that compendium here.
  • DHS has posted a notice informing providers that the Provider Electronic Solutions software they may have used to submit HIPAA-ready transactions to the PROMISe system will not be supported after June 15 and urging them to use the PROMISe Provider Portal to submit claims, validate eligibility, conduct claim inquiries, and view their weekly remittance advice.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has posted a notice reminding Medical Assistance billing entities that federal law requires physicians and other practitioners who order, refer, or prescribe items or services for Medicaid beneficiaries to be enrolled in the Medical Assistance program and suggesting that billing entities remind unenrolled billing providers about this requirement.  Find the notice here.
  • DHS has posted a notice reminding providers that the two percent Medicare sequestration imposed in 2013 and suspended in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be restored partially on April 1 and fully after July 1.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has updated its “Monthly Physical Health Managed Care Program Enrollment Report” to include January 2022 data.
  • DHS has posted presentations delivered at the March 24 meeting of its Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC).  See the presentations from:
  • The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an informational bulletin informing state Medicaid agencies that CMS is exercising enforcement discretion during the COVID-19 public health emergency regarding state submissions of updated Medicaid access monitoring review plans.  CMS is delaying enforcement of the updated plans that are due by October 1, 2022 until October 1, 2024.  Find the CMS informational bulletin here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts climbed slightly over the past week.  On Wednesday, March 23 the state’s seven-day average of new cases was 574 cases a day; on March 31 it was 585 cases a day.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths, on the other hand, fell by more than half over the past week, with the March 24 seven-day average of 37 deaths falling to 18 on March 31.
  • For the third consecutive week, no Pennsylvania counties are experiencing a high rate of community transmission.  For the second consecutive week, just eight counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission.  Three counties – down from four last week – are experiencing a low rate of community transmission.  The rest of the state – 56 counties – is experiencing a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians receiving hospital care for COVID-19 fell significantly during March:  the number hospitalized declined from 1356 on March 1 to 481 on March 31; the number being treated on a ventilator from 163 on March 1 to 54 on March 31; and the number in hospital ICUs from 252 on March 1 to 75 on March 31.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Community and Economic Development have announced the availability of more than $1 million in grant funding for recovery houses to provide safe housing for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder.  The grants are designed to help existing recovery house facilities with physical upgrades to comply with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Grants of up to $50,000 for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2022 will be awarded to between 22 and 25 eligible applicants for health and safety upgrades including demolition, debris removal, rehabilitation improvements, environmental remediation costs, and construction and inspections to comply with DDAP’s regulations.  Learn more from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs news release and go here for additional information about the grant program and the application process.  There is no application deadline; applications will be accepted until all of the available money is spent.

In September of 2021, Governor Wolf signed into law Act 73, which extended three of DDAP’s temporary regulatory suspensions through March 31, 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This week Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 1019, which further extends DDAP’s regulatory suspensions that are “related to federal exemptions granted under the federal public health emergency declaration” until “the last day federal exemptions granted under the federal public health emergency declaration are authorized.”  Three DDAP regulatory suspensions and a relevant Department of State regulation are included in this chart and also remain suspended.  In November of 2021, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that methadone take-home flexibilities will be extended for one year after the eventual expiration of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.  DDAP has submitted its written concurrence with this exemption.  SAMHSA also has indicated that it is considering mechanisms to make this flexibility permanent.  Narcotic treatment programs do not need to do anything additional at this time to continue taking advantage of this flexibility. Similarly, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also has announced that it is working to make its tele-prescribing regulations permanent.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Health Research Advisory Committee – April 4

The Department of Health’s Health Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Monday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. to review the committee’s work, confirm its 2022 priorities, plan future health research priorities, and address emerging issues.  To learn more about the meeting and how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports subcommittee – April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m.  Public comments will be taken after each presentation.  Questions can be entered into the meeting’s chat box during the presentations and will be asked at the end of each presentation.  There will be an additional period at the end of the meeting for additional public comments.  Go here to register to participate.

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Learning Network – Strategies to Reduce Hospitalizations and Emergency Room Visits – April 7

The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of DHS’s Quality Strategy for Nursing
Facilities, is holding a virtual webinar “Strategies to Reduce Hospitalizations and Emergency Room Visits” on Thursday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Aging – Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board Virtual Meeting – April 13

The Department of Aging’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee – April 21

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m.  The purpose of this meeting is to review the committee’s work, review the status and progress of the current request for applications, reaffirm priorities, evaluate and refine the process to review the next spinal cord research applications, and address emerging issues.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

 

2022-04-01T20:56:41+00:00April 1st, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Federal Medicaid issues, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of March 28-April 1
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 31-February 4

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

Governor Wolf

As part of a preview of the budget proposal Governor Wolf will deliver to the legislature on Tuesday, February 8, his office has issued a news release  announcing “…his $1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania fully recover from the pandemic and pave the way for a successful future with support for families and workers, small businesses, the healthcare system, and statewide community revitalization through the American Rescue Plan​ Act (ARPA).”  Included in that news release is the following:

Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million

This investment would recognize healthcare workers for their heroic dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and give healthcare providers resources to recruit and retain a skilled workforce​:

    • $250 million for long-term care recruitment and retention incentives and workforce development initiatives to grow the critical healthcare workforce​;
    • $40 million for the behavioral health workforce to expand county mental health programs; and 
    • $35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program at PHEAA to include additional critical healthcare workers.

Redistricting Update

This afternoon the Legislative Reapportionment Commission voted 4-1 to approve new state House and Senate legislative district maps.  The final maps can be viewed here.  Pennsylvanians who are “aggrieved” by the approved maps have one month to appeal them to the Supreme Court, which has the authority to send the maps back to the commission.  Earlier this week the state Supreme Court assumed responsibility for drawing the state’s congressional district map.

House Chamber of the State HouseGeneral Assembly

  • The General Assembly will be in session next Monday (2/7), Tuesday (2/8), and Wednesday (2/9).
  • The state House and Senate will convene for a joint session on Tuesday (2/8) for Governor Wolf’s final budget address.
  • The House of Representatives is planning to consider the following health-related bills on second and third consideration next week.  Please note that this list is subject to change.
    • House Bill 1440, which provides for the regulation and licensure of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
    • House Bill 19, which creates professional licensure for behavior analysts.
    • Senate Bill 1019, which addresses COVID-19 regulatory waivers and suspensions.
  • The House Health Committee will convene on Monday, February 7 to consider House Bill 1741, which allows for the prescribing and dispensing of off-label drugs approved by the FDA to treat coronavirus infections, and House Bill 1693, which requires nursing home residents to be notified at the time of their admission that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with applying for Medicaid benefits.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify providers that the Medical Assistance program will pay for FDA-authorized over-the-counter COVID-19 tests provided to Medical Assistance beneficiaries, effective with dates of service on and after August 30, 2021.  This bulletin applies to Medical Assistance-enrolled pharmacies that serve Medical Assistance beneficiaries.  Providers serving Medical Assistance beneficiaries in physical health HealthChoices or Community HealthChoices should address any billing and payment questions with the applicable managed care organization.  Learn more from this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
  • DHS has published notice of its final $255.556 million funding allocation for various FY 2022 disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.  DHS is not otherwise changing the qualifying criteria or payment methodology for any of these payments.  Learn more in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • Thirty Pennsylvania counties have received nearly $28 million in federal funding to enhance their behavioral health programs.  Administered through DHS, this one-time funding consists of money granted to states through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 combined with funds from Pennsylvania’s annual Community Mental Health Services Block Grant award.  The grants will target specific state priorities, including mobile crisis mental health services, telehealth, student assistance programs, start-up funding for residential treatment services and assisted outpatient treatment, and additional crisis services projects.  These projects include walk-in and remote crisis supports, expanding crisis, respite, and residential care capacity, and enhanced collaboration with law enforcement to assist with crisis response.  Learn more about the services this funding will support and which counties received grants from this news release.
  • DHS has circulated a briefing document on pharmacy prior authorization for sedative hypnotics when prescribed for Medical Assistance beneficiaries and has invited stakeholder comment.  Comments are due by February 8 and should be sent in MS Word to c-bstarr@pa.gov.
  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing its final annual case-mix per diem payment rates for FY 2022 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medical Assistance program.
  • DHS has published its latest “Monthly Physical Health Managed Care Enrollment Report,” which updates the report to include January 2022 enrollment data.

Department of Health

  • Leaders of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) announced that they would establish four long-term care regional support sites to relieve pressure on hospitals and skilled nursing facilities due to a high number of patients with COVID-19.  Each facility will receive clinical and non-clinical support staff to open up to 30 beds to allow for more rapid discharge of patients from hospitals, when clinically safe to do so, freeing additional acute care space to meet COVID-19 demands.  A staffing firm will provide clinical staff, including RNs, LPNs and CNAs; the Pennsylvania National Guard will provide non-clinical staffing to support the facilities’ existing staff; and PEMA will assist with coordination.  The four regional support sites will open at the following skilled nursing facilities:  Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh; Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg, Blair County; Springs at the Watermark in Philadelphia; and Clarview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Sligo, Clarion County.  Learn more from this news release.
  • DOH this week established new COVID-19 testing sites in Clearfield, Fayette, Monroe, Somerset, and Venango counties, joining previous sites it opened in Berks, Blair, Centre, and Clinton counties.  Learn more about individual clinic locations and hours in this DOH news release.
  • DOH has posted information about two options for DHS-certified child care facilities to report positive COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts remain very high but fell significantly again over the past week.  Pennsylvania’s seven-day average yesterday (February 3) was 8512 cases day; a week ago (January 27) its seven-day average was 14,025 cases a day.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths also remains very high but declined over the past week.  Pennsylvania’s seven-day average yesterday (February 3) was 135 deaths a day; a week ago (January 27) its seven-day average was 166 deaths a day.
  • The Department of Health reports that the percent of available adult and pediatric ICU beds in the state rose to 18.9 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively; that in approximately 22.1 percent of all staffed adult ICU beds are COVID-19 patients; and that 30.6 percent of all ventilators state-wide are in use.
  • All 67 Pennsylvania counties continue to experience a high rate of COVID-19 transmission.
  • The decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases is reflected in a 25 percent decline over the past week in the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with the virus.  The number of people on ventilators fell 21 percent over the past week and the number in ICUs fell 25 percent.

Stakeholder Events

Public Health Advisory Council – February 7

The Public Health Advisory Council hold a virtual meeting on Monday, February 7 at 11:30 a.m.

to discuss the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant work plan.  The meeting will be held by phone.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee – February 16 and 17

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold virtual public meetings on Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Learn more about the meetings and how to participate from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

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

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support (MLTSS) subcommittee will meet virtually on Tuesday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

2022-02-04T21:42:47+00:00February 4th, 2022|COVID-19, Medicaid supplemental payments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 31-February 4
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PA Health Law Project Newsletter

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project has published its January 2022 newsletter Health Law News.

Included in this month’s issue are articles about:

  • The implications of the federal extension of the COVID-19 public health emergency for the state’s Medicaid program.
  • Changes the state is planning for its HealthChoices program later this year.
  • The planned extension of Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities Program.
  • An increase in the income limit for participation in the state’s PACENET program that provides financial assistance for prescription drug purchases for low-income seniors.

Read about these subjects and more in the Pennsylvania Health Law Project’s January 2022 newsletter.

 

2022-01-31T18:58:51+00:00February 1st, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, HealthChoices, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Law Project Newsletter
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 24-28

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

General Assembly

  • The General Assembly enacted House Bill 253 (Act 2), providing $225 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to support health care professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals and behavioral health care facilities.  The breakdown of the funding is as follows:
    • $100 million for one-time payments to hospitals for making retention and recruitment payments to qualified staff.
    • $110 million for one-time payments to behavioral health providers, critical access hospitals, and high Medical Assistance hospitals for making retention and recruitment payments to qualified staff.
    • $15 million to be used by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to fund the Pennsylvania Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program.

A press release issued by Republican leaders of the General Assembly that quotes several health systems can be found here.  A press released issued by Governor Wolf can be found here.

  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 927, which expands eligibility for the Medical Officer Health Incentive Program.  The bill was received in the House and referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee convened this week and favorably reported the following bills.
    • Senate Bill 152, which provides direction to the Department of Human Services on how to distribute funding intended for women’s health and family planning services.
    • Senate Bill 956, a constitutional amendment that clarifies that there is not a right to an abortion or abortion funding in the state constitution.
    • House Bill 1420, which directs the Department of Human Services to establish a public awareness campaign to provide information about the programs and services available for first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers suffering from mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Senate Aging and Youth Committee favorably reported the following bills this week.
    • Senate Bill 936, which mandates the reporting and tracking of infants born with an addiction to opioids or other illegal substances.
    • House Bill 996, which requires the departments of Human Services and Health to establish protocols to permit residents of long-term-care facilities to receive visits by a member of the clergy during a disaster emergency.
    • House Bill 1737, which enables a county children and youth agency to petition the court for an order to compel a drug screening when there is evidence that substance use may be a contributing cause of child abuse or neglect.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee convened and favorably reported the following bills this week.
    • House Bill 19, which establishes professional licensure for behavioral analysts.
    • House Bill 1440, which provides for the regulation and licensure of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
    • House Bill 1862, which preserves the COVID-19 regulatory waiver that authorizes physicians with an institutional license in a teaching hospital to serve patients at more than just two facilities in a health system.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has mailed letters to hospitals potentially eligible for FY 2021-22 OB/NICU DSH payments requesting verification of their current licensure status.  Courtesy electronic notification also was sent to contacts on file on January 26.  To verify that they meet the criteria for inclusion in the payment program, hospitals must sign and return the attestation form to RA-pwdshpymt@pa.gov by Friday, 2/25/22.  Any Pennsylvania hospitals that are currently licensed to provide obstetric or neonatal services and did not receive a notification should contact DHS at RA-pwdshpymt@pa.gov.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform pharmacies of the addition of procedure code S5001 to the Medical Assistance Program fee schedule for dispensing oral antiviral treatments with FDA emergency use authorization for the treatment of COVID-19
    and providing instructions for pharmacies on how to submit claims for dispensing these treatments.  Learn more in this Medical Assistance Bulletin.
  • DHS has announced that it will add Aduhelm (aducanumab) and complement inhibitors to the Medical Assistance Program’s list of services and items requiring prior authorization.
  • DHS has published its latest “Monthly Physical Health Managed Care Enrollment Report.”  The new report includes the first look at October 2021 Medicaid managed care enrollment data.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has posted a notice on its message board that it will provide direct access to COVID-19 therapeutics to residents of long-term-care facilities. With the recent approval of oral antiviral medications for COVID-19 (Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir), DOH is holding product in strategic reserve for residents of long-term-care facilities and others in congregate care settings.  Paxlovid and molnupiravir are authorized for use in individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and are at high-risk for severe disease progression.  Upon receipt of a request for medication, supply permitting, DOH will ship the product the same day or the next day to the requesting facility.  Due to the nature of the medications, this product is only appropriate for residents within five days of the onset of symptoms.  Go here to request these oral antiviral medications from DOH.
  • DOH has issued an update of its recommendations for return to work for health care workers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
  • DOH has updated its guidance on work restrictions for health care workers who have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • DOH has announced changes to hospitalization data reporting on its Corvena platform to align with federal reporting requirements.  The new data fields must be completed beginning February 2 and daily thereafter.  Click here to download a Word file announcing these changes and download the Corvena data dictionary here (Excel).
  • DOH has deployed the first state-directed health care strike team to Grand View Health in Bucks County.  The team includes 10 registered nurses provided through GHR Healthcare under a contract with the Department of Health.  Learn more about the strike team concept and how it works and what this group will do at Grand View Health in this Department of Health news release.
  • DOH has introduced two new resources to help skilled nursing facilities encourage their residents and staff to receive COVID-19 vaccines and boosters:  a document on best practices and a vaccine and booster fact sheet.
  • DOH has adopted the new federal CDC standard for blood lead reference value (BLRV) from 5 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL.  The department explains why it adopted this new standard and what it means in this health advisory notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Stakeholder Events

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 2

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m.  Interested parties can join the meeting here or call in at 914-614-3221, access code 300-175-489.

Organ Donation Advisory Committee – February 3

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The purpose of this 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 acting secretary on matters relating to the administration of this fund.  Learn more about the meeting and how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Office of Long-Term Living – Financial Management Services Stakeholder Meeting – February 4

The DHS Office of Long-Term Living’s financial management services stakeholder group will hold a virtual public meeting on Friday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of financial management services under the Community HealthChoices, OBRA                      Waiver, and Act 150 programs.  Go here to participate or join by phone at 1-408-418-9388.

Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board – February 4

The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a virtual public meeting on Friday, February 4 at 10:00 a.m.  For information about the board, the meeting, and how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Public Health Advisory Council – February 7

The Public Health Advisory Council hold a virtual meeting on Monday, February 7 at 11:30 a.m.

to discuss the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant work plan.  The meeting will be held by phone.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee – February 16 and 17

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold virtual public meetings on Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Learn more about the meetings and how to participate from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-01-28T22:39:08+00:00January 28th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, DSH hospitals, Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 24-28
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 17-21

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of January 17-21, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

  • The Senate held voting sessions on Tuesday (1/18) and Wednesday (1/19) this week and passed, among other bills, Senate Bill 818, which aligns the procedures permitted in ambulatory surgery centers with those permitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and eliminates the need for facilities to request an exception, and Senate Bill 861, which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS interstate compact.  Both bills will now be sent to the state House.
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee convened on Tuesday and favorably reported Senate Bill 1019, which addresses COVID-19 regulatory waivers and suspensions.
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will convene again next week on Tuesday, January 25 to consider the following bills:
    • Senate Bill 152, which provides direction to the Department of Human Services on how to distribute funding intended for women’s health and family planning services.
    • Senate Bill 956, a constitutional amendment that clarifies that there is not a right to an abortion or abortion funding in the state constitution.
    • House Bill 1420, which directs the Department of Human Services to establish a public awareness campaign to provide information regarding the programs and services available for first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers suffering from mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Senate Aging and Youth Committee meeting previously scheduled for Tuesday, January 18 has been rescheduled for Monday, January 24 at 12:30 to consider the following bills:
    • Senate Bill 936, which mandates the reporting and tracking of infants born with an addiction to opioids or other illegal substances within the state.
    • House Bill 996, which requires the departments of Human Services and Health to establish protocols to permit residents of long-term-care facilities to receive visits by a member of the clergy during a disaster emergency.
    • House Bill 1737, which enables a county children and youth agency to petition the court for an order to compel a drug screening when there is evidence that substance use may be a contributing cause of child abuse or neglect.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will convene on Monday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. to consider the following bills:
    • House Bill 19, which establishes professional licensure for behavioral analysts.
    • House Bill 1440, which provides for the regulation and licensure of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
    • House Bill 1862, which preserves the COVID-19 regulatory waiver that authorizes physicians with an institutional license in a teaching hospital to serve patients at more than just two facilities in a health system.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services has updated its schedule of Remittance Advice (RA) mailing dates and electronic RA delivery dates.  The schedule now extends into early March.

DHS has published final notice of the assessment amount, assessment methodology, and estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to an assessment under the Nursing Facility Assessment Program for FY 2022.  Find that information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health alert outlining options for treating patients with the COVID-19 omicron variant.

DOH continues to establish new sites for COVID-19 testing, adding sites this week in Greene and Pike counties.  Find information about these and other state-sponsored sites in this department news release; about plans for a new high-volume site in Hershey; and about another high-volume site in Delaware County.

DOH reports that the state has had 28,475 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and that such cases have been found in all 67 counties.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts remain very high but declined over the past week.  Pennsylvania’s seven-day average yesterday (January 20) was 20,958 cases a day; a week ago (January 13) its seven-day average was 26,224 cases a day.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths also remains very high but it, too, declined over the past week.  Pennsylvania’s seven-day average yesterday (January 20) was 127 deaths a day; a week ago (January 13) its seven-day average was 120 deaths a day.
  • The Department of Health reports that from January 1, 2021 to January 4, 2022, 78 percent of reported COVID-19 cases were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people; 85 percent of reported hospitalizations with COVID-19 as the primary diagnosis/cause of admission were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people; and 84 percent of COVID-19-related deaths were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people.
  • The Department of Health also reports that 31.8 percent of all staffed adult ICU beds are COVID-19 patients and 32.4 percent of all ventilators state-wide are in use.
  • All 67 Pennsylvania counties continue to experience a high rate of COVID-19 transmission.
  • The decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases is reflected in a seven percent decline over the past week in the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with the virus.  The number of people on ventilators and in ICUs because of the disease held steady over the past week after two months of steeply increasing numbers.
  • As a result of the decline in hospitalizations, there are a slightly more unoccupied adult ICU and medical/surgical beds in the state this week.  While the occupation rate of pediatric ICU beds increased just slightly, occupancy of pediatric and airborne isolation rates rose 7.6 percent and two percent, respectively, over the past week.  There are still only 33 unoccupied pediatric ICU beds and 501 unoccupied adult ICU beds in the state.
  • On January 18 the Department of Health elaborated on some of these figures, reporting that 31.8 percent of all staffed adult ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients and 32.4 percent of all ventilators state-wide are currently in use.  Both numbers are almost identical to the previous week’s totals.
  • Media reports are mixed but suggest reason for optimism.  Around the state,
    • New cases are declining in Lancaster County but the decline in hospitalizations is more modest.
    • The new case rate is falling significantly in the Lehigh Valley but hospitalizations are down only slightly.  Even so, the city of Easton closed its city hall because of COVID-19 cases and exposures.
    • Erie County hospitals have more COVID-19 patients than at any time since the pandemic began but fewer of them are dying and fewer of them are being treated in ICU beds.  County health officials are concerned that many cases are not reflected in official counts.
    • New case figures are stabilizing in Allegheny County but the number of infants and children hospitalized is rising.
    • Both cases and hospitalizations are declining in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburban counties.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has issued a legislatively mandated report on the effects of the COVID-19 emergency on the state’s hospitals and health care facilities.  The report notes that “Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems reported $214,055,540 in COVID-19 related expenses and revenue losses for the period July 2021 – September 2021. These expenses and revenue losses were attributable to coronavirus and used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.  Total COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue reported by Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems through September 2021 (Jan 2020-September 2021) were $6,925,269,148.”  The report does not reflect any offsetting state and federal funding intended to help providers with these expenses and losses.  Find the report here.

Stakeholder Events

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Consumer Subcommittee – January 26

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – January 27

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  This meeting will be broadcast live through Commonwealth Media Services.  Check www.medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and click on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board tab for live streaming information on the day of the virtual meeting.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – January 27

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 27

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m.  To participate, call 412-648-8888 or 866-588-4789.  The meeting ID is 487 872 318#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 2

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m.  Interested parties can join the meeting here or call in at 914-614-3221, access code 300-175-489.

Organ Donation Advisory Committee – February 3

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The purpose of this 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 acting secretary on matters relating to the administration of this fund.  Learn more about the meeting and how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Office of Long-Term Living – Financial Management Services Stakeholder Meeting – February 4

The DHS Office of Long-Term Living’s financial management services stakeholder group will hold a virtual public meeting on Friday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of financial management services under the Community HealthChoices, OBRA                      Waiver, and Act 150 programs.  Go here to participate or join by phone at 1-408-418-9388.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Community Prevention Planning Committee – February 16 and 17

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold virtual public meetings on Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Learn more about the meetings and how to participate from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-01-21T22:25:57+00:00January 21st, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 17-21
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 10-14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of January 10-14, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

The Wolf administration has announced the creation of the Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment program, or LTC RISE, which seeks to give long-term-care facilities “…the support they need to battle COVID-19, recover, and rebuild.”  Under the program, long-term-care facilities can pursue improvement projects in the areas of infection prevention and control and emergency preparedness; building a sustainable outbreak response operation; and promoting professional development and a resilient long-term-care facility workforce.  The program is funded by a federal grant and replaces the state’s Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams program, which expired at the end of 2021.  Learn more about LTC RISE from this Wolf administration news release and from the LTC RISE web page.

General Assembly

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1280, which amends the Patient Test Result Information Act.  This bill eliminates the definition of “significant abnormality” and revises the written notice requirement for health care providers in an effort to provide clarity and eliminate conflicting interpretations of the act.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Tuesday, January 11 and favorably reported House Bill 1630, which would grant the Pennsylvania Auditor General the authority to audit managed care contracts and subcontracts with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Medicaid.  The committee also reported Senate Bill 709, which would create public awareness of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and provide for CMV screening for certain newborns.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on rural health care issues next Wednesday, January 19 at 9:30 a.m.  The hearing will take place at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
  • The state Senate will hold voting session during the week of January 17 on Tuesday (1/18) and Wednesday (1/19).
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 18 to consider Senate Bill 1019, which addresses COVID-19 regulatory waivers and suspensions.
  • The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday January 18 to consider, among other bills, Senate Bill 818, which aligns the procedures permitted in ambulatory surgery centers with those permitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); Senate Bill 861, which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS interstate compact; and Senate Bill 927, which expands eligibility for the Medical Officer Health Incentive Program.
  •  The Senate Aging and Youth Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 18 at 11:30 a.m. to consider the following bills:
    • Senate Bill 936, which mandates the reporting and tracking of infants born with an addiction to opioids or other illegal substances within the state.
    • House Bill 996, which requires the departments of Health and Human Services to establish protocols to allow a resident of a long-term-care facility to receive visits by a member of the clergy during a disaster emergency.
    • House Bill 1737, which enables a county children and youth agency to petition the court for an order to compel a drug screening when there is evidence that substance use may be a contributing cause of child abuse or neglect.

Department of Human Services

  • Various Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations were suspended to facilitate the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some of those suspensions have been lifted, so some of the temporarily suspended regulations are being enforced again.  For an updated list of regulations and their current status, organized by offices within DHS and with the most recent changes highlighted, go here.
  • DHS has announced the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.  To find those new codes and the rates to be paid, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.  Find the procedure codes, rates, and more in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers of changes in billing procedures for certified registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants serving fee-for-service patients.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers and pharmacies that the fee-for-service program will require prior authorization for prescribing Aduhelm (aducanumab), the new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers and pharmacies that it has issued updated handbook pages presenting the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Xyrem (sodium oxybate)/Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) for fee-for-service patients.  Find the notice here.
  • DHS announced that it intends to continue making Medical Assistance Day One Incentive payments to qualified non-public nursing facilities in FY 2022.   These payments seek to give incentives to non-public nursing facilities to serve individuals who are Medical Assistance-eligible on the day of admission.  Learn more about how and when the payments will be made and how they will be calculated in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS is making available for public review and comment its proposed renewal application for extension of the Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration titled “Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth from a Different State and SUD Demonstration.”  The effective dates of the current approved demonstration are October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2022.  The extension requested will be for an additional five years, through September 30, 2027.  Learn more about the program and the state’s planned request from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning has updated its FAQ on its guidance for tuberculin skin testing and COVID-19 vaccinations for providers participating in its licensed programs.  Find that FAQ here.

Department of Health

In the past week the Department of Health announced the opening of a new COVID-19 testing site in Cambria County to go along with other recently opened testing sites in Berks, Blair, Centre, Clinton, Delaware, Luzerne and Mifflin counties.  In addition, the state has announced that a new high-volume and high-throughput COVID-19 testing site will be opening soon in Delaware County at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.  This site will be staffed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contractors with additional support from the host location, the costs for which will be eligible for reimbursement by FEMA.  The Department of Health continues to talk to federal officials about the possibility of opening an additional high-volume testing site in the south-central part of the state.

The Department of Health has announced that Credentia will serve as its new contractor to operate the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry previously operated by Pearson Vue.  Go here for the nurse aide registry search.  The Pearson Vue link no longer works as of January 3.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority Board – January 18

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority Board will hold its next virtual meeting on Tuesday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m.  The meeting will provide updates on a variety of topics, including model status updates, federal grant deliverables, global budget methodology, and more.  It also will address current and upcoming activities.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – January 20

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting both in person and virtually on Thursday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m.  Agenda items will include reports by the cytomegalovirus and audiology subcommittees, an assessment of audiology training currently in development, and a review of upcoming program activities.  For information about how to join the meeting, either virtually or in person, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Consumer Subcommittee – January 26

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – January 27

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  This meeting will be broadcast live through Commonwealth Media Services.  Check www.medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and click on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board tab for live streaming information on the day of the virtual meeting.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – January 27

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 27

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m.  To participate, call 412-648-8888 or 866-588-4789.  The meeting ID is 487 872 318#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 2

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m.  Interested parties can join the meeting here or call in at 914-614-3221, access code 300-175-489.

Office of Long-Term Living – Financial Management Services Stakeholder Meeting – February 4

The DHS Office of Long-Term Living’s financial management services stakeholder group will hold a virtual public meeting on Friday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of financial management services under the Community HealthChoices, OBRA                     Waiver, and Act 150 programs.  Go here to participate or join by phone at 1-408-418-9388.

 

2022-01-14T22:33:59+00:00January 14th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 10-14
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 3-7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of January 3-7, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf announced that the state is organizing regional support sites for both hospitals and long-term-care facilities and strike teams to support hospitals facing staffing shortages.  The effort, to be coordinated by the Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, will include the following major components:

  • Critical capacity support through the launch of regional support sites for Pennsylvania hospitals suffering from a lack of beds or staffing to meet inpatient needs.  Hospitals struggling to meet inpatient demands will have the opportunity to transfer patients to ​hospitals within these regional sites for care.  Each regional site will have increased capacity for approximately 60 days beginning in February, supported by medical support staff including physicians, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses.
  • Staffing support that will be sent directly to hospitals from the Department of Health based on identified need.  Staffing resources may include physicians, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses for short-term deployments over the next three months.
  • Expanded long-term-care capacity through the launch of regional sites to allow for more rapid discharge of patients by hospitals.  Each site will increase the state’s capacity to support long-term-care residents with additional medical staff, including registered nurses and aides.

Go here to see the announcement from the governor’s office.

General Assembly

  • The House of Representatives will hold voting session during the week of January 10 on Monday (1/10), Tuesday (1/11), and Wednesday (1/12).
  • House Bill 1280, which amends the Patient Test Result Information Act, is scheduled for second consideration on Monday and third consideration on Tuesday.  This bill would eliminate the definition of “significant abnormality” and revise the written notice requirement for health care providers in an effort to provide clarity and eliminate conflicting interpretations of the act.
  • The House Health Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, January 11 at 9:30 a.m. to consider, among other bills, House Bill 1630, which would grant the Pennsylvania Auditor General the authority to audit managed care contracts and subcontracts with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Medicaid.  The committee also will consider Senate Bill 780, which would create public awareness of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and provide for CMV screening for certain newborns.

State Revenue Collection

The Revenue Department announced that Pennsylvania collected $3.8 billion in General Fund revenue in the month of December – $464.3 million, or 13.7 percent, more than projected.  Year-to-date General Fund revenue collections total $22.6 billion, which is $1.5 billion, or 7.0 percent, above estimate.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin explaining that Medicaid will pay pharmacies for the administration of vaccines to Medicaid beneficiaries by licensed pharmacists effective November 1, 2021.  The bulletin also provides instructions for pharmacies to submit claims for the administration of vaccines by pharmacists to Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries.  Find the bulletin here.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued revised guidance, applicable to the general population in a community setting, about who needs isolation or quarantine because of a diagnosis of COVID-19 or contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having COVID-19 and how long that isolation or quarantine must last.  Find that guidance here.
  • DOH has updated its recommended work restrictions for health care workers based on vaccination status and type of exposure.
  • DOH has recirculated a series of long-term care-specific vaccine materials that long-term-care facilities can use in their efforts to comply with federal requirements for staff vaccination.  Find the vaccine outreach toolkit here and an accompanying fact sheet here.
  • DOH has updated its long-term-care facilities COVID-19 visitation guidance FAQ.  Find it here.  (Note:  this link opens to a downloadable file.)
  • DOH has issued an alert about an outbreak of  hepatitis A in southeastern Pennsylvania.  The alert includes instructions for providers about diagnosing the condition, preserving laboratory samples, and reporting diagnosed cases to the state.
  • DOH has introduced changes in Lyme disease surveillance requirements and testing practices and has shared these changes with providers in this health alert.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts are higher than they have been at any time since the pandemic began.  The state’s total of 29,026 new cases on Thursday, January 6 was the highest single-day total since the pandemic began, breaking a new record set the previous day.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths remains high.
  • To date, Pennsylvania has had 1.8 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly 400,000 cases that have been classified as “probably” COVID-19, and 37,500 deaths attributed to the disease.
  • All 67 Pennsylvania counties continue to experience a high rate of COVID-19 transmission.
  • From December 1 through December 31, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized because of COVID-19 rose 33 percent; the number in hospital ICUs because of COVID-19 rose 12 percent; and the number on ventilators because of the virus rose 23 percent.
  • This situation is reflected in the high rate of occupancy in the state’s hospitals.  There currently are only 477 unoccupied adult ICU beds – 13.4 percent of the total of such beds in the state; 2026 unoccupied medical/surgical beds – 10 percent of such beds; 41 unoccupied pediatric ICU beds (11 percent); 239 unoccupied pediatric beds (21.9 percent); and 912 unoccupied airborne isolation beds (28.4).
  • On January 4 the Department of Health elaborated on some of these figures, reporting that approximately 28 percent of all staffed adult ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients and that 32 percent of all ventilators state-wide are in use.
  • Media reports confirm the challenges some communities and hospitals are facing, including limited numbers of hospital beds, staffing challenges, and difficulty getting enough COVID-19 testing materials.  For examples, see these reports about conditions in the Philadelphia area (here, here, and here), the Pittsburgh area (here and here), and central Pennsylvania.
  • According to the CDC, as of Thursday, December 30, 74.1 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

Stakeholder Events

Health Research Advisory Committee – January 10

The Department of Health’s Health Research Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 2:30 pm via Microsoft Teams at (267) 332-8737 with Conference ID: 994 021 882#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – January 27

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will hold virtual meetings on the following days at 10:00 am:  Thursday, January 27, 2022; Tuesday, March 22, 2022; Thursday, May 26, 2022; Thursday, July 28, 2022; Tuesday, September 27, 2022; and Tuesday, November 22, 2022.  These virtual meetings will be broadcasted live for the public through Commonwealth Media Services. Check www.medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and click on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board tab for live streaming information the day of the virtual meeting.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 27

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 10 am.  To participate dial in by location at (412) 648-8888 or (866) 588-4789.  The meeting ID is 487 872 318#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-01-07T21:14:24+00:00January 7th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 3-7
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of December 6-10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of December 6-10, 2021.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Harrisburg, PA capital buildingGeneral Assembly

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held an informational hearing this week on substance use disorder treatment facilities.  The hearing was co-hosted by senators Schwank, Tartaglione, and Muth.  Panelists included individuals affected by the addiction crisis, treatment providers, and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.  Testimony offered at the hearing and a video recording may be found here.

The state House and Senate will return to session next week.  The following are the relevant health committee hearings currently scheduled.

  • The House Health Committee has scheduled a hearing on Monday, December 13 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss COVID-19 treatment options.  Chairman Kathy Rapp has indicated the committee will examine House Bill 1741, which allows for the prescribing and dispensing of off-label drugs approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m. to consider, among other bills, 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; Senate Bill 522, which requires all pregnant women and children in Pennsylvania to receive blood tests to detect lead poisoning; Senate Bill 848, which creates a chief nursing officer position in the Department of Health; Senate Bill 967, which establishes the Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board; and Senate Bill 970, which implements certain measures to verify that child protective services or law enforcement are notified of children age 13 or younger who receive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, abortions, or contraception.  The committee also will consider House Bill 118, which establishes requirements for the final disposition of fetal remains.
  • The House Human Services Committee has scheduled an information hearing on House Bill 1644 for next Thursday, December 16 at 9:30 a.m.  House Bill 1644 directs the Department of Human Services to develop a state-wide process to place patients enrolled in Medicaid and who have behavioral health or other long-term-care needs in appropriate care settings in a timely manner.  The Human Services Committee also has scheduled an 11:00 a.m. hearing to examine community participation supports during COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its list of regulations that have been suspended to facilitate the state’s response to the COVID-19 emergency.  Find the updated list here.
  • The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has written to state Medicaid directors to encourage them to take advantage of a provision in the American Rescue Plan that authorizes their programs, beginning on April 1, 2022, to provide 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage to pregnant women enrolled in either their Medicaid or CHIP programs.  Learn more from the CMS letter to state Medicaid directors.  Pennsylvania announced in August that it would extend this coverage.
  • CMS has sent a letter to state Medicaid directors to help them understand provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that include new reporting requirements for non-disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) supplemental payments and a change in the methodology for calculating hospital-specific DSH limits.  See that letter here.
  • DHS has issued a news release elaborating on Pennsylvania’s spending plan for approximately $1.2 billion in enhanced federal Medicaid funding made available to states through the American Rescue Plan Act.  This funding will support Medicaid’s home and community-based services system throughout the state.  Learn more from this DHS news release.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a seasonal influenza update urging providers to encourage their patients to receive flu vaccines, offering treatment recommendations, and reminding providers that they are required to report flu cases to the state.  Learn more in this department influenza update and reminder health alert.
  • DOH has updated two health alerts, PA-HAN-609 and PA-HAN-610, to clarify that the visitation guidance from the department applies only to skilled nursing facilities and that other types of facilities, such as personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and intermediate-care facilities, should seek guidance from their licensing agencies when it comes to COVID-19 visitation policies.
  • DOH has distributed communication that it received from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services informing states that the federal government will not be enforcing the health care provider vaccination mandate while federal litigation is pending.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts remain near their highest levels since the beginning of the pandemic.  To date, more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians have contracted COVID-19.
  • The number of new COVID-19-related deaths also remains high.
  • All 67 Pennsylvania counties continue to experience a high rate of COVID-19 transmission.
  • The number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized because of COVID-19, in hospital ICUs because of COVID-19, and on ventilators because of the virus all rose sharply in the past week.
  • These numbers reflect the growing rate of occupancy in the state’s hospitals.  There currently are only 481 unoccupied adult ICU beds – 13.5 percent of the total of such beds in the state; 2019 unoccupied medical/surgical beds – 10 percent of such beds in the state; 29 pediatric ICU beds (7.7 percent); 234 pediatric beds (20.8 percent); and 919 airborne isolation beds (29.1).
  • Media reports confirm the challenges some communities and hospitals are facing, including this report on the situation at the nine hospitals that constitute Geisinger Health; this report on the situation in Allegheny County; this report on the situation in the Erie area; and this report on the situation throughout Pennsylvania.
  • The Department of Health reports that 6.7 million Pennsylvanians, excluding those in Philadelphia, are now fully vaccinated; it appears likely, although not certain, that this figure reflects the original concept of “fully vaccinated” and not whether such individuals have received boosters.  Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health reports slightly more than one million people fully vaccinated and that nearly 170,000 boosters have been administered to city residents since August 13.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has established minimum qualifications for the positions of project director, facility director, clinical supervisor, counselor, and counselor assistant but these regulations permit persons to meet those qualifications with a degree in an “other related field.”  In Licensing Alert 03-2021 the department lists “other related fields” that meet qualifications and notes that this list is not necessarily all-inclusive and that the department will review those degrees on a case-by-case basis.  Find the licensing alert here.

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has published its long-delayed, much discussed final standards for drug and alcohol recovery house licensure.  Find them in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has published its annual report on the financial performance of the state’s non-general acute-care hospitals, including rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, long-term acute-care hospitals, and specialty hospitals.  Learn more from this PHC4 news release and the report itself.  PHC4 also offers download data from the report in Excel format.

2021-12-10T21:44:43+00:00December 10th, 2021|Coronavirus, COVID-19, DSH hospitals, Federal Medicaid issues, Medicaid supplemental payments, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of December 6-10
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  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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