The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 5 – January 9 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing Schedules for the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee have been released in advance of the Governor’s forthcoming 2026-2027 Budget Proposal.

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

• Rep. Joe Webster issued a cosponsor memo for legislation requiring price transparency for all medical offices and ensuring compliance with federal price transparency legislation for hospitals;
• Chairman Dan Frankel released a cosponsor memo seeking increased transparency on the 340B Drug Pricing Program 

Department of Aging

The Department is soliciting public comment on an evaluation of the PA Link and a strategic refresh plan. A listening session will be held on Jan. 27^th at 2pm. 

Department of Health

The Department published a listing of laboratories authorized to perform blood lead analysis or erythrocyte protoporphyrin content analysis.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ 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 published final form regulations for Covered Outpatient Drugs effective as of Jan. 3^rd 2026.

DHS released a transcript of the December 4^th Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting.

The Department published annual notice of Inpatient Hospitals Qualifying for Medical Assistance Disproportionate Share Payments (DSH Payments).

DHS issued final notice of its $23 Million Supplemental Payments to Qualifying Hospitals funding allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 to establish a new class of supplemental payments to qualifying Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled general acute care hospitals to promote the availability of emergency department services to the MA population in an area of this Commonwealth with the highest number of MA beneficiaries.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC issued comments on DHS’ proposed Crisis Intervention Services Licensure Regulations.

The Commission also issued a Notice of Comments on the State Board of Optometry’s proposed Continuing Education Regulation changes.

The State Board of Social Work Examiners proposed rulemaking following (Act 4 of 2024) that directs the board to promulgate regulations to implement the amendments to the act, which provides for the licensure of Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet for its quarterly public meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DOH’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Jan. 21-Jan. 22 from 9am-3pm on both days.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thursday Jan. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 12p.m. The Council will offer guidance and recommendations to the Department on the program’s drug formulary, covered lab services, drug utilization review, clinical programs, eligibility and program management.

DOH’s Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, February 6^th 2026 from 10am to 3pm.

The Department of Health released its 2026 ABC-MAP Meeting Schedule. 

Federal Update

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