The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 26 – 30.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro

The Shapiro administration, including leadership from the Departments of Human Services, Health, Drug & Alcohol Programs, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, has announced it is beginning the process of developing a state-wide maternal health strategic plan, which will address high rates of maternal mortality and ensure pregnant women in Pennsylvania receive necessary prenatal and postpartum care. Find additional information in this press release. 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate are recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided final notice of the fee schedule rates for targeted support management and services funded through the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Adult Autism Waivers and Department-established fees for residential ineligible services. The rates for community-based services and residential services are effective July 1, 2024. The rates for Agency With Choice Financial Management Services and Life Sharing will be effective October 1, 2024.
  • The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has shared a comprehensive resource guide for National Suicide Prevention month. The guide offers examples of activities that organizations and/or communities can do to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention, including ideas for events, trainings, social media, sample local government proclamations, etc.
  • DHS has published its annual list of each inpatient acute care general hospital, rehabilitation hospital and private psychiatric hospital qualifying for a disproportionate share payment from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and each hospital’s respective disproportionate share payment percentage. Find the comprehensive list in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of the Auditor General

Auditor General Tim DeFoor has released a report with results from the department’s performance audit of the Physical HealthChoices Medicaid program and its contracted pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), PerformRx, LLC. The report found Pennsylvania paid $7 million more than it should have for Medicaid prescription drug benefits during 2022. The report attributes the overspending to a lack of oversight by the Department of Human Services (DHS). 

Department of State 

The Department of State has announced beginning August 26 out-of-state physicians licensed by a state or territory participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) who obtain a corresponding “letter of qualification” will be permitted to apply to the Pennsylvania state boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine for expedited licensure to practice in the Commonwealth. Find additional information in this press release. 

Around the State 

  • Spotlight PA has published an article about the growing number of vaccine exemptions in Pennsylvania schools and the concerning potential for measles outbreaks. 
  • The Auditor General’s report on the Department of Human Services (DHS) oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was covered in an article published by the Associated Press. 
  • Another article by Spotlight PA highlights efforts to address the rural health care workforce crisis, including a legislative proposal being championed by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R) and Rep. Dan Frankel (D) that would provide grant funding to assist with the hiring of health care practitioners at rural facilities. 

Stakeholder Events

DOH – Health Research Advisory Committee – September 12

The Health Research Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Nesquehoning Recreational Center (335 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240). Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Tobacco-Free Recovery Statewide Conference – October 9

The Pennsylvania Statewide Tobacco-Free Recovery Initiative will hold its fourth annual “Tobacco-Free Recovery is Recovery” conference on Wednesday, October 9. The conference will be held virtually. Find registration information here.

DOH – PDMP Board Meeting – October 22

The Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board has changed the time and location of its October 22 meeting. The meeting, which will begin at 10:30 a.m., will be held in person at the Capitol Media Center (State Capitol, Room 01, East Wing, Harrisburg, PA 17126). Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.