The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 24 – December 5 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Shapiro Administration Staffing Changes
The Shapiro Administration announced a change in senior leadership with Budget Secretary Uri Monson leaving his post to serve as Executive Director at the PA Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The Governor has appointed Zach Reber, current Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Program Coordination in the Budget Office, to serve as the next Secretary of the Budget.
General Assembly
The Senate returns next week for three voting session days from December 8th through the 10th. The House will return for non-voting session on December 15th and voting session on the 16th & 17th.
On Monday, Dec. 15th at 1pm, the House Communications & Technology Committee is holding a public hearing on HB 1925, Rep. Arvind Venkat’s AI in Healthcare legislation.
Rep. Bryan Cutler released a cosponsor memo for Certificates of Merit in Healthcare liability claims.
Department of Health
DOH updated its respiratory virus outbreak toolkit with minor changes and issued a new FAQ about Fall 2025 respiratory viral illness guidance.
Department of Human Services
DHS is launching 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.
The Department issued Medical Assistance Bulletins on the following areas:
- Coverage Change and Prior Authorization of GLP-1 Receptor Antagonists
- Prior Authorization of Hypoglycemics, DPP-4 Inhibitors
- Coverage Change and Prior Authorization of Obesity Treatment Agents
- Immunization Coverage Update
- Statewide Preferred Drug List
DHS released its October 2025 Managed Care Enrollment Report.
The Department issued revisions to its list of drug companies participating in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.
DHS issued a notice of intent to update its Chapter 5100 Mental Health Procedures Regulations to align with Act 32 of 2022.
Independent Fiscal Office
The IFO released a report detailing its assessment of factors contributing to anticipated structural deficits for Pennsylvania’s budget.
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
IRRC approved the final form covered outpatient drug regulations, which updated the payment methodology for pharmaceutical services, recognized the prescriptive and dispensing authority of certified registered nurse practitioners and midwives as well as made technical amendments to recognize advances in information technology.
Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council
The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) released its 2024 Hospital Performance Report, which examines trends on mortality and readmissions, among other data points.
Stakeholder Meetings
The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. Find registration and details here.
Federal Update
Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.