The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 26 – October 30 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Election

The General Election is this Tuesday, November 3^rd with Pennsylvanians voting to choose their Governor, US Congressional members, half of the PA State Senate, and all of the PA House of Representatives. The election will determine not only who holds the Governor’s Office but also the balance of power in a currently 27-23 Republican held PA Senate and a 103-100 Democratic held PA House. Here is a preview of some races to watch. 

General Assembly

The House will return to session on Monday November 9^th and Tuesday November 10^th to close out their session activities and the Senate will do the same on Tuesday November 17^th & 18^th. During these days, returning and newly elected legislators will vote on their respective caucus leadership positions for the 27-28 Legislative Session. 

Department of Aging

The Department issued notice of intent to update its Caregiver Support Program regulations largely to align with statutory changes that occurred since the last regulatory update. 

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 the following notices in the PA Bulletin effectuating special legislative payments for certain nursing facilities as outlined by the Budget and various code bills:

• County NF Supplementation Payment for FY 2026-2027
• Nonpublic NF in a City of the 2^nd Class A in a County of the 3^rd Class for FY 26-27
• Nonpublic and County NF in a City of the 1^st Class Supplemental Ventilator & Tracheostomy Care Add-on Payment for FY 26-27
• Nonpublic and County NF Supplemental Ventilator & Tracheostomy Care Add-on Payment for FY 26-27
• Nonpublic NF in a County of the 1^st Class Supplemental Payment for FY 26-27
• Nonpublic NF in a County of the 2^nd Class Supplemental Payment for FY 26-27
• Nonpublic NF in a County of the 3^rd Class Supplemental Payment for FY 26-27

The Department is rolling out a new Prior Authorization Portal to help streamline prior authorization submissions. Helpful information such as a rollout timeline, training resources, FAQs, and more are included in the link above.

Department of Health

DOH announced 1,398 measles cases confirmed as of Wednesday, October 28^th across 44 counties in Pennsylvania so far for 2026.

Insurance Department

The Department released its updated notice and amount of Medical Care Availability & Reduction of Error (MCARE) Fund for the upcoming year.

The Department also issued their Quality Health Plans Summary Report & Transparency in Coverage Report as consumer-facing tools to help patients understand their coverage and recourses available for disputes. 

Independent Regulatory Review Committee

The Committee issued notice of final rulemaking of the following healthcare-related regulatory packages:

• Department of Health’s Vision Screening & Comprehensive Eye Exams
• Department of Human Services Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities 

The Committee also issued notice of actions taken at the most recent board meeting approving the following healthcare-related regulatory packages which are now in effect, being published in the PA Bulletin:

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

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health has scheduled the following advisory meetings:

• 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.