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

General Assembly 

  • The House and Senate Appropriations Committees concluded their budget hearings this week.
    • On Tuesday, April 11, the Department of Human Services appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
    • On Wednesday, April 12, the Department of Human Services appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
    • On Thursday, April 13, the Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Health Committee held an informational hearing Wednesday, April 12 on prescription drug affordability boards. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, April 13 on black maternal health. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing Thursday, April 13 on PACE/PACENET, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and AARP. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational hearing Thursday, April 20 at 1:00pm on The State Master Plan on Aging. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.
  • The House Children and Youth Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, April 20 at 10:00am on overcrowding in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Detention Facilities. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.
  • The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24.

Department of Health

The Department of Health posted new documents related to the implementation of the long-term care nursing facilities regulations that become effective July 1, 2023:

  • Guidance for long term care regulations (effective July 1, 2023)
  • LTC Licensure Regulations Provider Updates – Presentation
  • LTC Licensure Regulations Provider updates – slides

View these and other guidance documents on the dedicated webpage here.

The Department of Health issued a health advisory with information about the Pennsylvania Childhood Blood Lead Act that took effect on January 2, 2023, and requires certain blood lead assessment and testing for children and pregnant women. Find more information in the health advisory. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2023. This bulletin replaces the 2022 recommended vaccine schedule.
  • DHS issued Provider Quick Tip #41, which is an updated Medical Assistance (MA) Desk Reference with provider contacts.
  • DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform MA providers that DHS added Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 0164A (Moderna, Inc.) and 0173A (Pfizer, Inc.) to the MA Program Fee Schedule for the administration of additional bivalent doses of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines.
  • DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers of updates to the Emergency Medical Condition Information Eligibility form. 

Around the State      

  • The Pennsylvania Capital Star reported on the House Appropriations Committee’s examination of Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2023-24 budget for DHS.
  • The Scranton Times Tribune wrote about the continued nursing shortage in Pennsylvania and its impact on the health care system.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Patient Safety Authority – April 27

The Patient Safety Authority’s board will meet virtually on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – May 4

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The SPBP Advisory Council will provide program guidance and recommendations to the Department’s SPBP in regard to the following: drug formulary; covered lab services; drug utilization review; clinical programs; eligibility; and program management. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Friday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, or via webinar. You may register for the webinar here.

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – May 18

The Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will host a state-wide Dual Diagnosis Conference virtually on May 18, 2023. The conference will include a variety of perspectives for supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. You may register here.

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – 2023 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council released an update list of its remaining meetings for the 2023 calendar year. Additional details may be viewed here.