The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 24 – August 28 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

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

  • Sen. Nikil Saval circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation creating a single-payer healthcare system in Pennsylvania.
  • Rep. Valerie Gaydos introduced HB 2745, which would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact.
  • Rep. Doyle Heffley circulated HB 2747, legislation to permanently schedule Nitazene Compounds as a Schedule I substance.
  • Rep. Liz Hanbidge introduced HB 2749, which authorizes the utilization of expired Naloxone five years past its expiration date.
  • Rep. Tarik Khan released HR 602, a resolution designating October as Infant Safe Sleep Month. 

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.

DHS released a comprehensive toolkit for the upcoming Medicaid changes resulting from HR 1. The toolkit includes flyers, draft social media posts, FAQs, and more to help Medicaid recipients understand the upcoming changes and the impacts to them regarding changing work requirements and renewal frequency.

The Department issued its September 2026 Remittance Advice Dates, shared an updated Medicaid Managed Care Directory, and published an MA Bulletin for the Off-Cycle Revalidation of High-Risk Providers.

The Department issued a report entitled Recommendations for Improving Transportation Services in Community HealthChoices Report. The Report can be found on the CHC Participant communications page (pa.gov) under “Community Meetings/Information Sessions.” The purpose of this report is to provide CHC stakeholders with identified barriers and recommendations to improve and increase the use of Transportation Services in CHC.

Department of Health

In response to the continued measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health issued an updated PA Health Alert Network notice with guidance for providers on the response to the disease.

Additionally, the PA Health Alert Network is moving to a new platform so current users are encouraged to register with the new platform here to continue to receive alerts.

The Department released approved prearrest and evidential breath testing devices and also shared a list of laboratories approved for the following determinations under the Clinical Laboratory Act, the Vehicle Code, Fish & Boat Code, and Game & Wildlife Code:

State Board of Pharmacy

The Board issued final-form rulemaking allowing for the board to issue licensure by endorsement for individuals licensed in other states, territories, or countries and meeting certain criteria. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council will hold a public council meeting on September 3rd at 10am.

The PA Drug, Device, & Cosmetic Board will hold a public meeting on September 3rd at 1pm.

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on September 15th at 1pm. 

Federal Update

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