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

Rural Health Transformation Plan

The Shapiro Administration announced its Rural Health Transformation Plan Advisory Council to help provide subject matter expertise and strategic guidance to the work of the six regional Rural Care Collaboratives that are being stood up across PA. The Administration is still soliciting members for the Rural Care Collaboratives and nomination forms for those can be completed here.

Additionally, a Frequently Asked Questions document was shared in advance of the upcoming funding round for RHTP dollars opening Monday August 17th. 

General Assembly

While awaiting session to gavel back in this September, one special election will be held on Tuesday August 18th in Butler County to fill the vacancy in the 12th Legislative District.

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

  • Sen. Michele Brooks circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation that would limit certain regulations proposed by the Department of Health by adding sunset dates and requiring General Assembly approval.
  • Rep. Emily Kinkead introduced HB 2731, which would allow the Commonwealth to purchase generic naloxone.
  • Sen. Amanda Cappelletti introduced SB 1424, which would add Gaucher Disease to Pennsylvania’s required Newborn Screening Panel.
  • Sen. John Kane introduced SB 1430 which would provide protections against immigration enforcement in hospitals.

Department of Health

PA Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s executive order proposing changes to the nation’s childhood vaccine schedule:

“In Pennsylvania, public health decisions are guided by rigorous medical science, not shifting national agendas. Vaccines are the best tools we have to protect our communities from preventable diseases, and they have demonstrated this over and over again for generations. As a pediatrician, I know that splitting up combination immunizations, like the MMR vaccine, creates unnecessary hurdles for parents, needlessly extends the window of risk for our youngest residents, and doesn’t follow the results of the many studies that went into developing the previous vaccine schedules. Here in Pennsylvania, we will continue to follow the facts and evidence-based medicine to keep our children and communities safe.” 

Department of Human Services

In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, stay plugged in to DHS updates for managing HR 1, new rules and regulations, among others. DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – covers DHS program updates, agency news, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

Independent Fiscal Office

The IFO issued a brief highlighting the Department of Human Services’ work to reduce the administrative error rate within the SNAP Program from a high of 16.6% in 2023 to 9.2% in 2025. This work is important as states with error rates above 6% will see additional federal costs as required by HR 1.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency

PCCD has issued a notice of funding availability for 26-27 School Safety & Mental Health Grants. A Q&A tracker document has been compiled to assist interested parties assess what funds can be used to support. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s HIV Community Prevention & Planning Committee will hold public meetings on August 19th from 9am – 12pm & August 20th from 9am – 2pm.

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday August 20th from 10am – Noon. 

Federal Update

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