PA Health Policy Update for April 3
The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 30 –April 3 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Rural Health Transformation Program
The Department of Human Services held a webinar for PA’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) this week where the Department shared details on Pennsylvania’s approach to dispersing and operationalizing the $193M RHTP funds awarded to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is soliciting nominations for interested parties to join RHTP Rural Care Collaboratives or the RHTP Advisory Council. Nominations can be submitted here and the deadline for nominations is Friday 4/10 at 5pm. Webinar slides and information on upcoming regional forums can be found here.
Maternal Health
The Shapiro Administration released PA’s Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan called, “Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures.” The plan was developed collaboratively across DHS, DOH, DDAP, Insurance Department, with feedback from the Black Maternal Health Caucus in the General Assembly, and stakeholders across 16 roundtables statewide.
General Assembly
The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:
- Rep. Jason Ortitay introduced both House Bill 2341, which would provide grants to healthcare facilities to procure standardized threat and risk assessment platforms and House Bill 2342, which would provide consumer protections in the application for or switching of Medicare supplemental plans in PA.
- Rep. Lisa Borowski introduced House Bill 2335 which would expand the scope of practice for certified nurse anesthetists.
- Senate Bill 1206, introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, would provide for virtual manufacturer license for prescription drugs and medical devices.
The House will return to session the week of April 13th and the Senate is scheduled to return the week of April 20th.
Department of Human Services
Check out DHS’ 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.
DHS issued several Medical Assistance Bulletins for the following areas:
- Prior Authorization Guidelines for Removable, Pre-Molded Arch Supports
- Prior Authorization Guidelines for Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Orthoses
- Prior Authorization of Sickle Cell Anemia Agents – Pharmacy Services
The Department shared their February 2026 HealthChoices Enrollment Report.
DHS published a bulletin notice of the availability of FY 26-27 Social Services Block Grant’s Intended Use Plan. The Department offered a 30-day public comment period.
The Department published final notice of its intent to allocate funding for Disproportionate Share and Supplemental Hospital payments at 55 Pa.B. 6643 (September 13, 2025).
Department of Health
The Department encouraged providers to complete the Respiratory Virus Dashboard survey. The purpose of this survey is to understand how healthcare personnel in Pennsylvania use the dashboard, what they would like to see in future iterations, and how the department can curate data and visualizations for you. Deadline for submission is April 10th and any questions about the survey can be sent to Hannah Lund at hlund@pa.gov
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
IRRC has either approved or deemed approved the following regulatory packages:
- State Board of Medicine # 16A-4960: Education and Volunteer Services
- State Board of Osteopathic Medicine # 16A-5337: Education and Volunteer Services
- State Board of Pharmacy # 16A-5434: Immunization Updates
Stakeholder Meetings
The Department of Health’s Renal Advisory Committee will hold their quarterly public meeting on April 17th from 10am-Noon.
DOH’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program will hold a public teleconference on April 30th from 10am to Noon.
Federal Update
Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.