The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 4-10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

• Three special elections were held this week to fill vacancies in the state House of Representatives.  Matt Gergley (D) was elected to represent the 35^th legislative district, where he will take the seat formerly held by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.  Abigail Salisbury (D) was elected to represent the 34^th legislative district, replacing former Representative Summer Lee, who was elected to Congress in November.  Joe McAndrew (D) was elected to represent the 32^nd legislative district, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Tony DeLuca.  When the three members are sworn in later this month Democrats will have 102 seats in the House and Republicans will have 100 after Senator-elect Linda Schlegel Culver resigns her House seat to be sworn in to the state Senate.
• The state House has scheduled additional session days and the chamber will return to session on Monday, February 21. Click here to view the updated calendar.
• Republican members of the state House Appropriations Committee held a roundtable discussion this week with several Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). Go here to learn more about the event and see a list of the MCO participants.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted information about new medical group provider access to the PROMISe provider internet portal for the reactivation or revalidation of changes of group members.  Starting on February 24, active provider groups that need to reactivate, revalidate, or make changes to group members will be able to log onto the portal with their active group credentials.  Learn more from this DHS notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has issued a health advisory informing providers of an outbreak of highly drug-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with artificial tears products.  No such cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.  Learn more about the outbreak, the condition, and how to identify and treat it from this Department of Health advisory.  Providers who diagnose the condition are asked to report it to the state or their local health department.

The Department of Health has proposed adding mucopolysaccharidosis type II disorder (MPS II) to the supplemental conditions mandated for screening and follow-up as part of the state’s newborn screening program as of July 1.  Learn more about the condition and how to submit written comments in response to this proposed addition to the screening program from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.  Comments are due within 30 days of the notice’s February 11 official publication.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

• The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania rose slightly over the past week and the number of new daily deaths declined slightly.  Both figures fall within the general range for the state in recent months.
• According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs with the virus fell slightly over the past week and the number on ventilators declined 31 percent.
• The CDC reports no change over the past week in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19.
• For the week ending February 8, five Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 16 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 46 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has awarded $9 million in grants to four county agencies to establish or expand crisis stabilization services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.  Learn more about the grant recipients and how they are expected to use the money from this department news release.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting – February 13

The Department of Health’s Preventative Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Monday, February 13 at 1:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – WIC Advisory Board – February 14

The Department of Health’s WIC Advisory Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:00 to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation in and improving the WIC program.  For information about how to obtain the meeting agenda and participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – March 1

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

Department of Aging – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – March 9

The Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, March 9 at 10:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – March 9

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will offer a training program for adolescent service providers on two dates:  March 9 and May 16, both at 8:30.  This training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, is designed for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that the March 9 and May 16 sessions will be identical.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.