The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 27 to March 31.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

 General Assembly 

  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, March 29 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.
  • The Departments of Health, Aging, and Drug & Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for their respective budget hearings this week. A recording of the hearings can be viewed here. 
  • The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue budget hearings the week of April 10. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here, and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here. 
  • The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) is evaluating a future purchase and distribution of devices that can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. DOH would purchase and distribute the devices free of charge to small businesses, non-profit entities, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other diseases. Long-term care facilities that are interested in receiving a device if this program moves forward should complete this application.  The application is being used to gauge interest in receiving a device and those who complete the application are not guaranteed to receive one.  

In response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, DOH announced the establishment of a community-based health resource network this week to connect Pennsylvania residents impacted by the derailment with local health care providers for long-term assistance.   

Department of Human Services   

The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a bulletin to advise providers of additions and updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule and the issuance of updated physician and general hospital provider handbook pages regarding the prior authorization procedures for proton therapy services. These changes are effective for dates of services on and after April 1, 2023.  

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a memorandum to address stakeholder concerns about the impact of ending OMHSAS’ bulletin suspensions regarding signature requirements specific to consent for treatment, service verification, and treatment plans on March 31, 2023, and clarifying the use of audio-only for telehealth in the delivery of services licensed by OMHSAS.  

Board of Nursing  

The State Board of Nursing published Interpretations Regarding the Administration of Drugs-Statement of Policy in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This statement of policy clarifies that registered nurses may administer a specific amount of conscious sedation medication during minor therapeutic and diagnostic procedures upon a written order of either a physician or a CRNP when either a physician or CRNP is present during the administration. This statement of policy is expected to eliminate confusion about CRNPs’ authority to order and supervise registered nurses’ administration of conscious sedation under certain circumstances.  

Around the State   

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported Pennsylvania long-term care facilities will share $14.2 million from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The funds are intended to support workforce development, staff retention, and infrastructure improvements.   

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s budget hearing this week and noted the focus on the state’s response to the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and Pennsylvania’s post-COVID public health landscape.   

A report issued by Kaufman Hall noted that hospital finances continue to struggle in the face of macroeconomic headwinds but they appear to be beginning to stabilize. Fierce Healthcare details the challenges hospitals continue to confront here.   

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – April 12 

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on April 12, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.   

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26 

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.  

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26 

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.  

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27 

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.