The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 25 – 29.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

Governor Shapiro 

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 1564, which provides for the creation of an associate license for marriage and family therapists and an associate license for professional counselors, into law on Thursday, March 28. It is now Act 4 of 2024. 

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives convened for a voting session this week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 1956, which makes certain amendments to the Patient Test Results Act. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Monday, March 25 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1512, which provides for the coverage of telemedicine services. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Wednesday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. and favorably reported a number of bills and resolutions, including the following:
    • House Bill 1633, which prohibits the use of non-compete agreements in health care employment.
    • House Bill 2084, which establishes a license for prescription drug virtual manufacturers.
    • Senate Bill 668, which permits certified nurse aides to become certified medication aides in long-term care, assisted living residences, and personal care homes. 

The House and Senate will be in recess next week. Both chambers will return to Harrisburg for voting session the week of April 8. 

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has posted a solicitation for grantees to develop and provide support to regional maternal health coalitions that will implement maternal mortality-prevention strategies recommended by the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee to reduce maternal mortality, particularly where there are disparities. The solicitation is viewable at eMarketplace or by clicking here.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 743) with important information about an increase in Mpox cases in Pennsylvania. The advisory includes recommendations for the prevention, screening, and treatment of Mpox.  

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued Provider Quick Tip #272 announcing it has experienced a delay in implementing Version 40.0 and Version 41.0 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) program enrolled acute care general hospitals. This will affect acute care general inpatient stays with discharge dates on or after October 1, 2022. As a result of this delay, DHS will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for Version 40.0, and October 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 for Version 41.0 after February 29, 2024.

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has issued a clarification regarding the ability of Personal Assistance Service (PAS) workers to be reimbursed for transporting Community HealthChoices (CHC) participants in the community. The Commonwealth’s CHC 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver addresses PAS and transportation beginning on page 81. 

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs 

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has released a Licensing Alert 05-2024 related to staffing regulations. DDAP has issued individual licensing alerts over time that focus on

specific regulation topics. This licensing alert will organize previous relevant, active licensing alerts, as well as provide additional guidance for Chapter 704 staffing regulations. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

  • DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.
  • DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

 Stakeholder Events  

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee– April 3

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Long-Term Services & Support (LTSS) Subcommittee next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Register to participate here. 

DOH – Renal Disease Advisory Committee – April 19

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new and ongoing issues relating to treatment of chronic renal disease and the Department of Health’s programs related to care and treatment. Details on how to participate can be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.