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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. The following is an overview of selected legislative activity that occurred.

  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1200, which legalizes and regulates adult-use cannabis, by a party-line vote of 102 – 101. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 926, which seeks to prevent health care workplace violence by placing several requirements on health care facilities, by a vote of 124 – 79. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1117, which updates language defining DDAP’s duties and responsibilities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate passed Senate Bill 115, which requires the Department of Human Services to offer a skills competency exam in lieu of  high school diploma or GED requirements for individuals seeking employment as direct care staff in personal care homes or assisted living residences. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, May 5 regarding updates to Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Judiciary Committee met on Monday, May 5 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 282, which authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish a medical assistance (i.e., Medicaid) reentry program for incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released and returning to the community. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, May 6 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 554, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Social Work Licensure Compact.
  • The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 7 regarding hospital and health system sustainability in Pennsylvania. Testimony presented to the committee and a recording of the hearing are viewable here.
  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1269, which establishes a Brain Injury Advisory Board at the Department of Health (DOH). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.
  • The House Insurance Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage, and House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
  • The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 for an informational meeting on the Mental Health Procedures Act. A recording of the meeting is viewable here. 

The House of Representatives and the Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 12 through Wednesday May 14. 

Department of Human Services 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will hold a listening session on May 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. entitled, “Food is Medicine: Screening and Referral.” This is part of DHS’ Keystone of Health Section 1115 demonstration waiver initiative. The listening session is intended for representatives from health care and other settings that interact with consumers that may be eligible for Food is Medicine programs. Find additional information and register here.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #207 with Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule updates for Act 62 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Autism Insurance Act, procedure codes.   

Department of Aging  

The Department of Aging has announced a 30-day public comment period on its updated Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF), which is used to distribute federal funding to the commonwealth’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging. Find additional information and details on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. 

Around the State  

  • The House of Representatives’ passage of an adult-use cannabis legalization measure and its prospects in the Senate is the subject of an article published by Spotlight PA. Cannabis legalization and the revenue it would generate are a hallmark of Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal. 
  • An article written by City & State Pennsylvania highlights the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee’s hearing on the financial health of hospitals. 
  • Spotlight PA has published an article about security enhancements the Pennsylvania State Police will be making in response to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence last month. 

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 21

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 22 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.