The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 12 – October 16 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

The House and Senate will both return to session on Monday October 19^th through Wednesday October 21^st and the following are healthcare-related bills formally scheduled for action in the week ahead:

• Monday October 19^th
  • The House Communications & Technology Committee will hold a public meeting on “Mitigating Risks from Frontier AI Models: HB 2800, legislation to address catastrophic risks posed by frontier AI models & HB 2829, legislation to develop an AI regulatory framework in safety practices and incident reporting.
  • The House Education Committee will meet to consider SB 998, legislation providing funding for accredited nursing programs, enabling them to expand nursing faculty and increase the number of nurse preceptors.
  • The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee will meet to consider HB 2614, legislation banning the use of toxic substances in IV bags and tubing. 

Following this week’s activity, the House and Senate will return post-general election to wrap up the 25-26 Legislative Session. 

Department of Aging

The Department released its schedule of upcoming Alzheimer’s Dementia & Related Disorders Advisory Committee meetings. 

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.

DHS issued an MA and CHIP Managed Care Quality Strategy for public comment prior to CMS submission.

DHS opened for comment an RFI related to the upcoming re-procurement of the physical health HealthChoices program with responses due by November 20^th.

The Department issued its November 2026 Remittance Advice for providers.

Department of Health

DOH announced 1,222 measles cases confirmed as of Wednesday, October 15^th across 42 counties in Pennsylvania so far for 2026.

The Shapiro administration released a new nurse shortage assistance program funded in this year’s budget with matching funds from the state and participating hospitals to assist nurses with student loan repayment through three-year work placement partnerships.

The Department issued a Request for Application for the Spinal Cord Injury Research Grant to fund spinal cord injury research grants that foster and encourage innovative research for treatment and rehabilitative techniques for spinal cord injuries. The grant term is anticipated to run from July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2031, with a total $1,300,030 available. Application and grant related questions are due October 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM, Letters of Interest are due November 9, 2026, at 1:30 PM, and applications are due December 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM. 

Attorney General

The Attorney General announced a lawsuit against some Pharmaceutical Benefits Managers and pharmaceutical companies alleging manipulation of pricing markets. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC held their public hearing on October 15^th to consider the following healthcare-related regulations:

• No. 3442 State Board of Massage Therapy #16A-722: Child Abuse Reporting Requirements – Deemed Approved
• No. 3443 State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators #16A-6218: Child Abuse Reporting Requirements – Deemed Approved
• No. 3445 State Board of Massage Therapy #16A-727: Licensure by Endorsement– Deemed Approved
• No. 3479 State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators #16A-6220: Licensure by Endorsement Under 63 Pa. C.S. Section 3111– Deemed Approved
• No. 3426 State Board of Nursing #16A-5141: Nursing Education Programs; Terminology Updates – Approved
• No. 3466 Department of Human Services #14-558: Mental Health Procedures – Approved

The Commission scheduled a public hearing on November 19^th to consider updates to continuing education for the State Board of Psychology. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health has scheduled the following advisory meetings:

• Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council, October 22^nd, 10am-Noon
• Preventative Health & Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee, October 19^th, 9-10:30am.
• Organ Donation Advisory Committee, November 5^th, 10am-1:30pm
• Brain Injury Advisory Board, November 6^th, 10am-3pm.

DHS’ Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will host a series of youth suicide prevention trainings held on Tuesdays from 12-1pm beginning on September 29^th and concluding in April 2027.

The Department of Health’s HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold its public meetings on Wednesday, November 18^th and Thursday, November 19^th, both from 9am-2pm. 

Federal Update

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