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

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Shapiro Administration released its application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program dollars. The application highlights focuses on several initiative areas to drive federal investment, if awarded:

• Technology & Infrastructure
• Workforce
• Maternal Health
• Behavioral Health
• Aging & Access
• EMS & Transportation

Awarded investments will be coordinated through Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) organizations, already existing regional economic collaboratives, and coordination with locally created Rural Care Collaboratives steered by regional stakeholders and healthcare leaders. CMS has indicated it will decide awards by December 31, 2025. 

General Assembly

In the wake of budget passage, the General Assembly will return for a few more session days before the end of the year. The Senate will return for three voting session days beginning on December 8^th. The House will return for a non-voting session on December 15^th and voting session on the 16^th & 17^th.

Earlier this week, the House Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on the federal SNAP changes in HR 1 and their impacts on Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday Nov. 18^th, the House Health Committee voted unanimously to advance HB 1652 and HB 1715. Both bills amend the Newborn Child Testing Act to include Gaucher Disease (HB 1652) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (HB 1715) in PA’s newborn screening requirements. Both bills move to the full House for consideration.

The House unanimously passed HB 1894, legislation which would require the Independent Enrollment Broker to enhance the counseling provided to individuals on the LIFE program during the MA long term care enrollment process. This legislation now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

The House passed SB 88 by a margin of 196-7. This legislation updates insurance coverage requirements for breast cancer screenings and is now awaiting signature by the Governor.

The Senate Health & Human Services met on Tuesday and voted in support of SB 1095, which changes references from global budgets to alternative payment models in laws relating to the Rural Health Redesign Center Authority.

Below is a list of health and human services related legislation introduced or cosponsor memos released:

• HB 2041, sponsored by Rep. Shelby Labs, would update blood lead testing requirements for children.
• Rep. Danilo Burgos introduced HB 2050, which would prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning and operating pharmacies.
• House Bill 2051, sponsored by Rep. Seth Grove, would impose a state False Claims Act in the MA program.
• Rep. Burgos also introduced HB 2060, which would ensure prescribing parity between non-opioid and opioid pain medications in the MA program. 

Department of Human Services

DHS is launching Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc, – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

The Department issued Medical Assistance Bulletins on the following areas:

• Prior Authorization of Dry Eye Treatments
• Prior Authorization of Pulmonary Hypertension Agents, Oral and Inhaled
• Updated Sterilization Consent Form
• Prior Authorization of Immunomodulators, Dermatologics
• Prior Authorization of Immunosuppressives, Oral
• Prior Authorization of Lipotropics, Other
• Prior Authorization of Migraine Acute Treatment Agents
• Prior Authorization of Thrombopoietics
• Targeted Case Management Services for Incarcerated Juveniles

The Department released updates to the School Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook. 

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine released proposed regulations on continuing education and volunteer services.

Stakeholder Meetings

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee plans to meet December 4^th at 10am. You can register for the meeting here.

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. Find registration and details here. 

Federal Update

Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.