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PA Health Policy Update for June 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 24 – 28.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

FY 2024-2025 Budget Update 

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to work on a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 budget agreement. The state House of Representatives and Senate have both recessed until Monday, July 1; however, in remarks late Thursday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Minority Leader Jay Costa both signaled optimism that an agreement would be reached in the near future. 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate were in Harrisburg for session this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity.

  • The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1754, which requires public and private insurers to cover biomarker testing. The bill was subsequently sent to Governor Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 739, which provides for coverage of telemedicine services, by a vote of 194-8. The Senate subsequently concurred with the House’s amendments and sent the bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1993, which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse impact on pharmacies and patients, by a vote of 194-8. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 965, which provides Medicaid coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing under certain conditions. The bill was subsequently received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The Senate unanimously passed on Senate Bill 840, which creates an Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders division within the Department of Aging and establishes an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. The bill was subsequently received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 2403, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP). The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 2400, which creates an Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders division within the Department of Aging and establishes an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2198, which caps the fees for obtaining electronic medical records, by a vote of 137-65. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2268, which provides coverage for speech therapy for stuttering, by a vote of 181-21. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives, by a vote of 133-69. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee met on Tuesday, June 25 and favorably reported House Bill 1425, which directs the Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan to offer evidence-based maternal home visiting programs for eligible families. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, June 26 and favorably reported House Bill 2344, which imposes more reporting requirements and additional oversight on health care facility mergers and acquisitions, and House Bill 2382, which establishes a rural health care grant program to incentive licensed health care practitioners to practice in rural areas. Find a recording of the meeting here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Thursday, June 27 and reported with “no recommendation” the nomination of Dr. Debra Bogen for Secretary of the Department of Health. Find a recording of the confirmation hearing here. 

The House and Senate are currently recessed for the weekend. Both chambers will return to Harrisburg on Monday, July 1. The House will convene at 12:00 p.m. and the Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the proposed assessment amount, the proposed assessment methodology and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the assessment under the Nursing Facility Assessment Program beginning in FY 2024-2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the proposed annual case-mix per diem payment rates for FY 2024-2025 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medicaid program. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #263 with information about the availability of an electronic submission process for long-term care (LTC) 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation.
  • DHS has issued a Remittance Advice Alert notifying providers of changes to the electronic funds transfer (EFT) procedure effective June 28, 2024.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has released an updated staffing calculation tool to assist nursing home providers with compliance with new standards that come into effect on July 1, 2024. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the release a report that includes state-wide data and facility-specific information about the financial health of Pennsylvania’s general acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2023. Financial Analysis, Volume One, is the first in a three-part series of financial reports produced annually by PHC4.  

Stakeholder Events   

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – July 10 and 11

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled an executive committee meeting on July 10 at 11:30 a.m. and a council meeting on July 11 at 10:00 a.m. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – July 10 and 11

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 11. The meetings will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Newborn Screening & Follow-Up Advisory Board – July 18

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board, established under the Newborn Child Testing Act, will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – July 19

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, July 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to treatment of chronic renal disease and the Department of Health’s programs related to care and treatment. Find additional details here.

DHS – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – July 25

The next Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. Please let us know if you would like the virtual meeting details.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – August 2

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, August 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network. Find additional details here.

2024-06-28T20:16:51+00:00June 28th, 2024|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for June 28
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PA Health Policy Update for May 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 20 – 24.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives returned to Harrisburg this week for voting session. Following is a selection of health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House passed Senate Bill 721, which establishes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) State Advisory Board, on final consideration by a vote of 119-83. The bill will now be sent to the governor’s desk.
  • The House passed House Bill 2138, which requires insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service, by a vote of 154-48. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2208, which strengthens the Department of Health’s oversight of laboratories that test medical marijuana, by a vote of 196-6. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Tuesday, May 21 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2127, which requires clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and conduct a postpartum screening for depression. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met on Wednesday, May 22 for an informational hearing on the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House and Senate are both recessed until Monday, June 3.

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule. DHS is adding and end-dating procedure codes as a result of the 2024 updates published by CMS to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). These changes are effective for dates of service on and after May 28, 2024.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through June 2024. Find the updated calendar here.
  • The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has communicated to personal care homes and assisted living residences that unlicensed staff persons may not administer Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 agonist medications, such as Ozempic (Semaglutide) and Trulicity (Dulaglutide) via subcutaneous injection unless they seek a regulatory waiver and submit it to ra-pwarlheadquarters@pa.gov. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it is extending the temporary scheduling of any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of Nitazene substances for an additional year. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 749) with Influenza A/H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, guidance for health care providers.
  • DOH also issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 750)  alerting healthcare providers of an increase in meningococcal disease, linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Health Insurance Exchange Authority 

The Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, which is the state-affiliated entity that operates the commonwealth’s state-based health insurance marketplace, has issued a proposed regulation that would require insurers selling qualified plans through the Exchange Authority to be accredited in health equity. 

Around the State   

  • PennLive has published an article about legislative efforts to require state-regulated commercial insurers to cover blood pressure monitors when necessary during pregnancy and for up to a year after delivery. 
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported about an effort to subpoena Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration regarding its plans to expand addiction treatment services in the city. 
  • An article published by PennLive highlights the Shapiro administration’s efforts to seek a Medicaid 1115 waiver to provider continuous Medicaid coverage for children from birth through age six.
2024-06-03T17:42:15+00:00May 24th, 2024|Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 24
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PA Health Policy Update for May 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 6 – 10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 739 by a vote of 47-1. Senate Bill 739, which was amended before final passage, provides for coverage of telemedicine services. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 920, which establishes a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 1632, which amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to recognize post-traumatic stress injuries as eligible for workers’ compensation claims, by a vote of 154-46. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House passed House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries, by a vote of 164-37. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Monday, May 6 and favorably reported, among others, the following bills.
    • House Bill 1021, which prohibits insurers from discriminating against individuals because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile.
    • House Bill 1867, which prohibits health insurers from restricting the method of payment for in-network clinical services.
    • House Bill 2138, which requires insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service.
    • House Bill 2234, which creates a pilot program to give small grants to individuals to assist them with purchasing health insurance on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance exchange.

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

  • The House Labor & Industry Committee met on Tuesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 2247, which requires the establishment of workplace violence prevention committees in health care facilities. Immediately following the voting meeting, the committee held an informational meeting on the nursing workforce crisis. A recording of both meetings is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are now recessed. The House will return to session Monday, May 20 and the Senate will return Monday, June 3.

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its intent to increase the funding for a class of supplemental payments to qualifying hospitals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 that treat a high volume of opioid use disorder patients in their emergency rooms. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DHS has shared the following presentations used at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on April 25.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced it will hold a public hearing on its proposed Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. The hearing will take place on May 28 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Find additional details on how to attend and comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has issued comments on the State Board of Pharmacy’s proposed pharmacy technician registration regulations. Find additional information and IRRC’s comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  

Around the State 

  • The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has reported about legislation that would cover post-traumatic stress injuries for first responders under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
  • Governor Shapiro has indicated he will sign legislation criminalizing the misuse of xylazine, which is contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer article. 
  • PennLive has published an article about House Democrats’ efforts to pass legislation that would enact a key part of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal to provide assistance to individuals purchasing insurance of the commonwealth’s state-based insurance exchange, Pennie.

Stakeholder Events 

PA Chamber – Healthcare Summit – May 22

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is holding its inaugural health care summit on Wednesday, May 22. The event will feature conversations about leading health care topics, including innovations in pharmaceuticals, workforce development, the medical malpractice landscape, and the role of AI in health care. To view additional details and register click here.  

DOH – Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Committee – May 28

The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, May 28 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to present the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 workplan and budget information. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-05-10T20:07:25+00:00May 10th, 2024|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 10
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PA Health Policy Update for May 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 29 – May 3.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General AssemblyHarrisburg, PA capital building

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 2200, which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts. The bill will now be sent to the Senate.
  • The House Human Services Committee met on Monday, April 29 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1783, which requires the development of opioid-related overdose public information, and House Bill 2137, which establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee met on Tuesday, April 30 and favorably reported the following bills.
    • House Bill 2127, which requires clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and conduct a postpartum screening for depression.
    • House Bill 2208, which strengthens the Department of Health’s oversight of laboratories that test medical marijuana.
    • Senate Bill 721, which establishes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) State Advisory Board.

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. regarding local Area Agencies on Aging. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Human Services Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 1 regarding performance-based contracting for the Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for voting session in Harrisburg next Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 8. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled next week.

  • The House Insurance Committee will convene on Monday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing to consider, among others, the following bills.
    • House Bill 1021, which prohibits insurers from discriminating against individuals because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile.
    • House Bill 1867, which prohibits health insurers from restricting the method of payment for in-network clinical services.
    • House Bill 2138, which requires insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service.

The meeting will be livestreamed here.

  • The House Labor & Industry Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building to consider House Bill 2247, which requires the establishment of workplace violence prevention committees in health care facilities. Immediately following the voting meeting, the committee will hold an informational meeting on the nursing workforce crisis. The meeting will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 746) with important information about Lyme Disease and other tickborne diseases in the commonwealth. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of additions and updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule.
  • DHS has provided final notice of its funding allocation for FY 2023-2024 for several classes of inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and supplemental payments to qualifying acute care general hospitals enrolled in the Medicaid program. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the final annual case-mix per diem payment rates for FY 2023-2024 for non-public and county nursing facilities that participate in the Medicaid program. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has issued a bulletin regarding the removal of lifetime employment bans for individuals convicted of certain criminal offenses in the Older Adults Protective Services Act.
  • DHS has added information to its website about the Technology Assessment Group (TAG), which reviews requests for new and emerging technologies and recommends coverage decisions for the MA program. Find the TAG’s website here.
  • DHS has announced the peer group, peer group medians, and peer group prices for non-public nursing facilities, including hospital-based nursing facilities and special rehabilitation facilities. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue has announced that Pennsylvania collected $5.7 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $373.3 million, or 7.0 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $38.5 billion, which is $739.3 million, or 2.0 percent, above estimate. 

Around the State   

  • The Tribune-Review reported about the many professional counselors that could be approved for associate licenses soon due to the implementation of Act 4, which establishes two new license types in Pennsylvania.
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about the counties’ use of tens of millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds.
  • A news segment published by KDKA highlighted the drug shortage challenges that health care providers and patients are currently confronting in Pennsylvania and across the country.  
2024-05-03T20:07:01+00:00May 3rd, 2024|Financial, Governments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 3
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PA Health Policy Update for April 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 22 – 26.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

2024 Primary Election Update 

Pennsylvania held its 2024 primary election on Tuesday, April 23. In the race for Attorney General, former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale won the Democratic nomination and York County District Attorney David Sunday won the Republican nomination. Current State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta won the Democratic nomination for Auditor General. He will face the incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor in the fall. Lastly, Erin McClellan from Allegheny County won the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the general election this fall. Find the comprehensive election results, including those for state House of Representative and Senate, here. 

General Assembly

The House Health Committee and the Liquor Control Committee held a joint informational hearing on Thursday, April 25 examining public health challenges of cannabis legalization. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for voting session in Harrisburg next Monday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 1. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled next week.

  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building to consider, among other bills, House Bill 1783, which requires the development of opioid-related overdose public information, and House Bill 2137, which establishes the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program. The meeting will be livestreamed here.
  • The House Health Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 30 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol to consider the following bills.
    • House Bill 2127, which requires clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and conduct a postpartum screening for depression.
    • House Bill 2208, which strengthens the Department of Health’s oversight of laboratories that test medical marijuana.
    • Senate Bill 721, which establishes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) State Advisory Board.

The meeting will be livestreamed here.

  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. regarding local Area Agencies on Aging. The meeting will take place in Room B31 of the Irvis Office Building. The meeting will also be livestreamed here.
  • The House Human Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 1 regarding performance-based contracting for the Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs. The meeting will take place in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building. The meeting will also be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has released a schedule of five public comment sessions to provide interested stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the development of the 2025 plan for the state’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (i.e., WIC Program). Find the schedule and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule based upon provider requests and clinical review. DHS is adding procedure codes for ECG services and removing prior authorization for fetal congenital abnormality testing. The changes are effective for dates of service on and after April 29, 2024. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced a virtual webinar in collaboration with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) on strategies for preventing and treating xylazine in a behavioral health or clinical setting. It will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m. The webinar is open to the public, but registration is required. 

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 1

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2, 2024. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

PHC4 – Council Meeting – May 2

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced it will hold a council meeting on May 2 at 8:30 a.m. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – May 2

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 3

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-04-26T20:57:46+00:00April 26th, 2024|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 26
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PA Health Policy Update for March 8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 4 – March 8.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

  • The Department of Human Services appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, March 5 for its FY 2024-2025 budget hearing. A recording of the first part of the hearing is viewable here and the second part is viewable here.
  • The Department of Human Services also appeared before the House Appropriations Committee this week to review its FY 2024-2025 budget proposal. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 7 for its FY 2024-2025 budget hearing. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The state House of Representatives and Senate have concluded their FY 2024-2025 budget hearings. Both chambers are scheduled to return to session Monday, March 18. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has published guidance related to Act 43 of 2023, which requires fentanyl and xylazine testing when a urine drug screening is conducted in an emergency department within an acute care hospital.
  • DOH has published a corrected list, as required, with a list of hospitals that have provided notice to the department that they may not provide emergency contraception or sexual assault emergency services due to various factors. Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DOH has announced that it will hold a statewide Health Equity Summit from April 4 – 5 in Harrisburg and virtually. The theme of the summit is “Joy and Justice.” Learn more from this press release.
  • DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA HAN – 738), which contains guidance for health care facilities related to infection prevention and control for podiatric care. 

Department of Human Services

  • DHS has issued instructions advising providers participating in the Medical Assistance program on how they may continue to bill DHS directly for fee-for-service (FFS) claims while Change Healthcare’s billing and claims management systems remain unavailable due to a cyber-attack. Learn more here.
  • DHS has shared a federal funding opportunity for community programs for outreach and intervention with youth and young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis. Find additional information here.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through March 2024. Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise FQHCs and rural health clinics (RHCs) of certain updates to the PROMISe™ Provider Handbook. The department has updated Appendix E, which is a compilation of federal and state requirements and standards for the provision and payment of FQHC and RHC services. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board – March 28

The Newborn Screening and Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both in person and as a virtual teleconference. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee Meeting – March 27-28

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Wednesday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2024-03-08T21:58:12+00:00March 8th, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 8
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PA Health Policy Update for December 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from December 11 – 15.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

FY 2023-2024 Budget 

The General Assembly and Governor Shapiro enacted the remaining pieces of the FY 2023-2024 budget this week, including the Fiscal Code – House Bill 1300. The enactment of the Fiscal Code will enable approximately $1.1 billion that has been delayed since July to begin to be distributed. This includes $50 million for hospital financial relief, tobacco settlement funds, etc.  Find a summary of the various provisions in the Fiscal Code here. 

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro signed several bills into law this week. Following is a selection of health care-related laws enacted.

  • Senate Bill 414 (Act 59 of 2023) 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.
  • Senate Bill 683 (Act 43 of 2023) requires drug screening for fentanyl and xylazine, if a drug screening is conducted in a general acute care hospital to assist in diagnosing a patient’s condition.
  • Senate Bill 941 (Act 66 of 2023) enables certain flexibilities for addiction treatment providers.
  • House Bill 1131 (Act 50 of 2023) removes the requirement for counties to operate state health centers in counties establishing their own local health departments. 

General Assembly 

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for their final voting session of 2023 this week. In addition to the bills noted above that were enacted by the General Assembly and the governor, following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity from this week.

  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1585, which establishes access and coverage for tele-dentistry in Pennsylvania, by a vote of 163-40. The bill will now be sent to the Seante for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives amended House Bill 181, known as the Family Medical Leave Act, on second consideration. The bill was subsequently referred to Appropriations and re-reported as amended. The bill still needs to be passed on third and final consideration before heading to the Senate.
  • The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care met on Wednesday, December 13 for an informational meeting on the “cannabis regulatory landscape.” Find a recording of the proceeding here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the addition of interprofessional consultation services to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule. These changes are effective for dates of services on and after January 1, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • The public comment period for Pennsylvania’s proposed 1115 waiver application – Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania – is open through January 2, 2024. During this period, interested stakeholders can review the draft waiver application and provide comments online, in writing via mail, during multiple advisory and stakeholder meetings, or through three upcoming virtual forums. Those details can be found here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers about updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule related to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has sent a message to long-term care facilities regarding the methodology for calculating staffing ratios for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse aides. The new methodology will go into effect January 1, 2024.
  • DOH has published an addendum to its solicitation for substance use disorder navigation services to increase emergency department capacity. Find the addendum and additional information regarding the solicitation here.
  • DOH has asked health care providers to report individuals with blood lead levels of 3.5 μg/dL or higher detected through venous, capillary or unspecified testing within three months after consuming a WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand cinnamon applesauce or apple purée product containing cinnamon by securely emailing the following information to RA-DHBOE-RESPONSE@pa.gov or by fax: 717-772-6975. Find additional information in this Health Advisory issued by DOH. 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has published its 2022 Hospital Performance Report. The report includes risk-adjusted, hospital-specific mortality and readmission ratings as well as volume of cases and average charges for patients discharged from Pennsylvania’s acute care hospitals between October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022 

State Board of Medicine 

The State Board of Medicine has published proposed rulemaking submitted by the Board of Medicine effectuating Act 79 of 2021, which among other things, enables physician assistant written agreements to be effective upon being filed rather than approved. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Department of Labor & Industry 

The Department of Labor & Industry has determined the maximum compensation payable under the Workers Compensation Act shall be $1,325 per week for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2024. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulleton notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

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

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events

Pharmaceutical Assistance Board – December 18

The Department of Aging Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, December 18 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2023-12-18T16:30:15+00:00December 16th, 2023|long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for December 15
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PA Health Policy Update for December 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 20 – December 1.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro 

On Tuesday, November 21 Governor Shapiro signed Senate Bill 500 and House Bill 507 into law. Senate Bill 500 (Act 32 of 2023) provides Medicaid coverage for pasteurized donor human milk. House Bill 507 (Act 31 of 2023) requires health care providers to obtain informed consent, both verbal and written, before performing a pelvic examination, a rectal examination, or a prostate examination while the patient is anesthetized or unconscious. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has made available for public review and comment its proposed 1115 waiver application. Entitled Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania, the application proposes Medicaid coverage for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), reentry supports, and multi-year continuous eligibility for young children. Find additional information, including a schedule of public hearings, in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. The state’s draft 1115 waiver application can be viewed here.
  • DHS has published notice of its intent to amend the current regulations to comply with the CMS’ final rule – ”Medicaid Program; Covered Outpatient Drugs.” The proposed rulemaking also makes technical changes to add diabetic supplies, opioid overdose agents, and immunizations to the list of services excluded from copayments. In addition, it recognizes the prescriptive and dispensing authority of certified nurse practitioners (CRNP) and midwives. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance on implementation of the interstate Nurse Licensure Compact. In accordance with an updated interpretation of applicable state law and regulations relating to registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), the Department will no longer require exceptions to regulations to allow health care facilities to employ or contract with RNs and LPNs holding an active multistate license. Read the updated guidance here.

DOH has notified providers that exceptions to perform Total Shoulder Replacement procedures in ambulatory surgery facilities are no longer required. Since the passage of Act 87, only procedures that are excluded from the CMS payment schedule require exceptions to 551.21 and CMS recently added Total Shoulder and Total Ankle procedures to that list. Letters rescinding currently held exceptions will be forthcoming, but effective immediately, exceptions and the associated reporting requirements are no longer in effect. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced its New Training Management System (TMS) will launch in January 2024. Additional information, including steps to prepare for the new TMS, can be viewed here. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published proposed rulemaking submitted by the Board of Medicine effectuating Act 79 of 2021, which among other things, enables physician assistant written agreements to be effective upon being filed rather than approved. The proposed rulemaking can be viewed here. 

Office of the Attorney General 

The Office of Attorney General has issued a press release with information for Pennsylvania consumers, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, when choosing reproductive health care providers and counselors.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

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

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events 

Patient Safety Authority – December 7

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on Thursday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-12-01T23:06:22+00:00December 1st, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for December 1
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PA Health Policy Update for November 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 13 – 17.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

General AssemblyHouse Chamber of the State House

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health-related legislative activity.

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 500, which provides Medicaid coverage for pasteurized donor human milk, as amended. The Senate subsequently concurred with the House amendments and sent it to the governor’s desk.
  • The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 507, which requires health care providers to obtain informed consent, both verbal and written, before performing a pelvic examination, a rectal examination, or a prostate examination while the patient is anesthetized or unconscious. The House subsequently concurred with the Senate amendments and sent it to the governor’s desk.
  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 668, which permits certified nurse aides to become certified medication aides (CMA) in long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, and personal care homes. Following Senate passage the bill was received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House Human Services Committee held a meeting on Monday, November 15 and favorably reported House Bill 1650, which authorizes the establishment of a grant program for recovery houses, and House Bill 1690, which establishes a public awareness campaign about the growing threat of Xylazine.
  • The House Health Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, November 15 and favorably reported House Bill 1657, which eliminates exemptions in the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act and expands the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes, and Senate Bill 414, 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.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through December. Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has announced it will add sexually transmitted infection (STI) test kits for at-home specimen collection to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program fee schedule, effective with dates of services on and after December 1, 2023. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health is soliciting applications from hospitals and health systems for up to $325,000 in grant funding to support care navigators in emergency departments as part of the Pennsylvania Substance Use Navigation Program. One grantee will be selected in each of four regions, based on the location of the emergency department where care will be provided, and funds can be used to build and implement health system-wide clinical capacity to screen, diagnose, and support longitudinal care for opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder and support recovery for adults and adolescents. The RFA closes on January 16, 2024.

In anticipation of the holiday season, DOH has issued vital safety tips to avoid holiday accidents. On behalf of DeBrunner & Associates, we hope you don’t burn the turkey and wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

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

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events 

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – November 29

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Patient Safety Authority – December 7

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on Thursday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2023-11-17T21:07:32+00:00November 17th, 2023|Governments, Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for November 17
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PA Health Policy Update for September 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 11 – 15.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Governor Shapiro 

The Shapiro administration announced on Monday, September 11 that the Department of Human Services will begin reviewing and updating the data used to set rates for home and community-based services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism. Find additional information in the administration’s press release here. 

General Assembly 

  • The House Health Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20 at 9:30am on House Bill 1657, which amends the Clean Indoor Air Act. The legislation clarifies the definition of a workplace, expands the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes, and gives all localities the ability to enact smoke-free ordinances that exceed minimum state standards. The hearing will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and will be livestreamed here.
  • The state Senate will convene for voting session Monday, September 18 through Wednesday, September 20. The state House of Representatives will remain in recess next week. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers of the expansion of childhood nutrition and weight management services for Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries under 21 years of age. The expansion includes pharmacotherapy as a result of changes to coverage of obesity drugs and updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as coding changes stemming from the 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers of procedure code updates to the MA program fee schedule for the provision of pediatric shift care services provided by home health aides through home health agencies to MA beneficiaries under 21 years of age. The changes are effective with dates of service on and after October 1, 2023.
  • DHS has published Provider Quick Tip #269 to remind providers that they may bill for, and prescribers may order, certain incontinence products.
  • DHS has issued a Remittance Advice (RA) Alert notifying community support service providers of the Federal Financial Participation rate change for the new federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2023.

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 717) with important information for providers regarding severe Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infections in the United States associated with exposure to coastal waters. Since May 2023, there have been three Pennsylvania residents with V. vulnificus infections, all of whom were exposed to coastal water in the days leading up to disease onset.

Department of Aging 

The Department of Aging has released a Master Plan for Older Adults White Paper, which is intended to serve as a reference guide for aging stakeholders and interested individuals as they formulate and submit comments for the state’s master plan for older adults. Additional information about the development of the state’s master plan for older adults and how to comment may be found here. 

Board of Nursing 

The State Board of Nursing has published proposed rulemaking regarding opioid prescribing and organ donation education for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs). Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

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

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 20

The state-wide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Participants can also access the meeting virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – September 21

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a board meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators – October 17

The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators will host a free webinar on October 17 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nurse licensure compact and new rules taking effect in 2024, answer questions nurse employers often have, and explain Nursys.com and Nursys e-Notify. Find additional details and instructions on how to participate here.

2023-09-15T20:01:07+00:00September 15th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for September 15
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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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