The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 29 – July 2 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Budget Update

Pennsylvania’s new Fiscal Year has arrived but an agreed-to budget remains incomplete. Senate Republicans plan to return only when a final negotiated budget has been achieved to move the necessary bills and votes to send a bill to the Governor. Meanwhile, the House remained in session until Wednesday, July 1st as tensions rose during some budget-related committee meetings. Parties express hope that an agreement can be reached in the coming days. 

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Department of Human Services released two updates regarding RHTP dollars.

  • A funding opportunity has opened for FQHCs and FQHC look-alikes to help improve electronic health record utilization or to connect to existing health information exchange networks.
  • The cap of total available funds for RHTP Rapid Response Stabilization funds was increased to $42.2 million from the initial $25 million. 

General Assembly

The House and Senate were in Session this week and provided the following actions:

  • Monday June 29th
    • The Senate amended HB 2400, the House’s proposed budget legislation, to remove most of the bill’s spending proposals.
  • Tuesday, June 30th
    • The House sent SB 604, authorizing PA’s inclusion into the National Counseling Compact, to the Governor’s Desk by a vote of 188-14.
    • HB 2529 advanced out of the House by a vote of 198-4. This legislation would schedule Medetomidine,- an emergent additive – to the illicit drug supply, as a Schedule III Controlled Substance.
    • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee amended and advanced HB 1123, insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings; and SB 738, the Senate’s proposed Older Adult Protective Services Act update.
  • Wednesday, July 1st
    • The House Rules Committee advanced HB 2378, which would expand flu vaccine offerings to Pennsylvanians ages 50 and older; HB 2649, which would preserve access to fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients; and HB 1667, a potential Tax Code bill that may move within the Budget process.

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

  • Rep. Dallas Kephart released a co-sponsor memo for a resolution directing a study of budgetary impacts that result from Health Insurance mandates.
  • Rep. Joe Hohenstein circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation creating a task force to identify gaps and barriers experienced by Pennsylvanians with disabilities in digital access to state government services and information.
  • Sen. Frank Farry introduced SB 1403, which would broaden EMS transportation options for patients with behavioral health crisis needs. 

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.

The Department issued the following MA Bulletins on Prior Authorization Requirements:

DHS released its report on the potential utilization of a full-risk capitated broker model for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

The Department released its annual list of exceptional Durable Medical Equipment for nursing facilities.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold their public meeting on July 17th.

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening & Follow-Up Technical Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on July 23rd from 10am-Noon.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on July 30th from 10am-Noon.

DOH’s HIV Community Prevention & Planning Committee will hold public meetings on August 19th from 9-12pm & August 20th from 9-2pm.

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday August 20th from 10am- Noon. 

Federal Update

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