The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 4 –May 8 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).
Rural Health Transformation Program
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania held a public hearing on PA’s Rural Health Transformation Program and its implementation and utilization of federal RHTP funds. The Penn Capital-Star reported on the hearing, sharing a summary of some of the topics discussed such as EMS and the 988 hotline.
General Assembly
The House and Senate held session earlier this week addressing the following healthcare related issues:
- Tuesday
- The House Communications & Technology Committee passed HB 1925 out of committee with amendment with a 19-7 vote. This bill would provide regulation and standards of AI use in healthcare.
- Wednesday
- The House Health Committee held an informational hearing on the Uniform Healthcare Decision Act.
- The House Insurance Committee convened a voting meeting on HB 2427; consolidation of utilization management statutes, HB 2464; replacing outdated references in PA’s Insurance Law, and HB 2473; repealing obsolete insurance laws and completed statutorily required studies. All three bills advanced unanimously out of committee.
- The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee advanced SB 1321 which would prohibit state funds from being used for certain gender affirming care services.
- HB 1251 was signed into law as Act 12 of 2026, which allows nurse midwives to refer patients to pelvic floor therapy.
- SB 507 was signed into law as Act 14 of 2026, which implements licensure for certified midwives and modernizes other midwifery practices.
- Thursday
The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week:
- Rep. Bridget Kosierowski introduced HR 513 which would direct a study on the financial impact of outdated hospital regulations on Pennsylvania hospitals.
- Rep. La’Tasha Mayes introduced HR 517 recognizing May 2026 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
- A co-sponsor memo was filed by Rep. Kristin Marcell for legislation requiring insurance coverage for Ovarian Cancer Screening.
The House and Senate will now break from session until June to accommodate Pennsylvania’s upcoming Primary Elections on Tuesday, May 19th.
Department of Aging
The Department announced an RFP for a READY Community funding collaborative to help support the implementation of PA’s Aging Our Way PA strategic plan. The collaborative will work across the Shapiro Administration and Pennsylvania philanthropic leaders to support funding opportunities to advance the Aging Our Way PA plan. The RFP closes on Friday June 12, and the department will host a webinar for prospective applicants on Tuesday, May 19 at 1:00pm.
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.
DHS released a bulletin notice with its methodology for determining case-mix rates for nonpublic nursing facilities across several peer groups in State Fiscal Year 25-26.
The Department issued a bulletin notice detailing its annual Nonpublic and County Nursing Facility Per Diem Rates for State Fiscal Year 25-26.
DHS issued a notice of Implementation of the Qualitrac® Provider Portal for Prior Authorization and Program Exception Submissions.
Stakeholder Meetings
The Department of Health’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on May 20th from 9am to Noon.
Federal Update
Click here for a review of this week’s federal activities.