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

General Assembly

The House returns to session next week where we anticipate the following actions:

  • Monday
    • The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on several bills, one of which is HB 1104 which proposed to cap fees for obtaining medical records.
    • The House Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on the impacts of HR 1 on the SNAP Program in PA.
  • Tuesday
    • The House Health Committee will hold a hearing on HB 836, preserving access to fertility treatment; HB 916, providing for further Blood Lead Testing; and HB 2254, which would allow for medical marijuana usage in licensed healthcare facilities; along with several resolutions.
    • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational hearing on the LIFE Program.
    • The House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Black Maternal Health and Hospital Accountability.

The Senate is scheduled to return to session the following week.

The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:

  • Rep. Danilo Burgos introduced House Bill 2368 to create the Healthcare Human Trafficking Screening and Intervention Act to provider greater structure and increased requirements for human trafficking intervention protocols.
  • House Bill 2364, introduced by Rep. Nikki Rivera would expand the scope of physical therapy services to include dry needling.
  • Sen. Tracy Pennycuick released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to require drug & alcohol recovery residences to obtain licensure within three years.
  • A co-sponsor memo was released by Sen. Maria Collett for legislation to create a Commission on Comprehensive Health Coverage. 

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 a Medical Assistance Bulletin for Prior Authorization Guidelines for Pediatric Adaptive Seating Equipment.

The Department shared remittance advice alerts for Fee-for-Service Relative Weight Adjustments.

Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women has released a “State of the Woman” Survey to assess the experiences of women living in the Commonwealth. The survey is open through May 30th.

State Board of Pharmacy

The State Board of Pharmacy issued notice of final deemed approved regulations on Injectable Medications. 

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office provided a state budget and economic update to the Education Policy and Leadership Center.  The report highlights state population decline and migration, limited job growth with the largest driver being the health care sector, and state general fund revenue and spending trends.  The presentation can be found here. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Renal Advisory Committee will hold their quarterly public meeting on April 17th from 10am-Noon.

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public meeting on April 28th at 1pm.

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.