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

General Assembly

The House and Senate returned to session this week from Monday through Wednesday and advanced the following healthcare-related legislation:

  • Monday October 5
    • The House Communications & Technology Committee met and unanimously advanced HB 806, requiring disclosure of AI generated content.
    • The House passed the following bills:
      • HB 2657, regulating Kratom in PA, unanimously.
      • HB 2614, legislation to prohibit toxic additives in IV bags and medical equipment, unanimously.
      • HB 1652, adding Gaucher’s Disease to the Newborn Screening Panel, by a vote of 195-7.
      • HB 1434, increasing penalties for e-cigarette sales to minors, unanimously.
      • HR 582, recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, unanimously.
  • Tuesday October 6
    • The House Human Services Committee met and unanimously passed HB 1939, legislation to set market index for Intellectual Disability & Autism Direct Service Provider rates with amendment and HR 627, directing the Joint State Government Committee to study suicide prevention and data collection efforts.
    • The House Professional Licensure Committee met and advanced SB 1334, legislation proposing additional regulations and oversight of medical imaging and radiation therapy.
    • The House Education Committee met to consider HB 2787, an AI-healthcare bill prohibiting the use of AI in student mental health services.
    • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met and voted out:
      • SB 865, requiring screening for Medetomidine during drug testing in hospitals, unanimously.
      • SB 1147, providing reimbursement for EMS when patient treatment is rendered without transportation, unanimously.
      • SB 1196, legislation to provide parity between opioid and non-opioid pain medications, unanimously.
      • SB 1424, adding Gaucher’s Disease to the Newborn Screening Panel
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee met and voted on:
      • SB 1315, providing for fertility preservation coverage for those in cancer treatment, unanimously as amended.
      • SB 1439, enhancing fraud protections in PA’s state-based health insurance exchange, Pennie®, unanimously as amended.
      • HB 2464, replacing outdated terms in PA’s Insurance statutes, unanimously.
      • HB 2473, repealing obsolete provisions and completed studies in PA’s Insurance statutes, unanimously.
    • The House passed the following bills:
      • HB 2702, removing the sunset provision of the PA Health Care Cost Containment Council, by a margin of 200-3.
      • HB 1411, enhancing menopause education for healthcare providers, by a measure of 189-14.
      • SB 115, a long-term care workforce flexibility legislation, which was amended 131-72 to include language to enact the PA False Claims Act.
    • The Senate passed the following bills:
      • SB 535 and SB 536, both of which provide for genetic testing and genetic counseling services in osteopathic medical practice and medical practice, unanimously.
  • Wednesday October 7
    • The House Communications & Technology Committee met and advanced HB 2637, setting a moratorium on AI Chatbots in children’s toys, by a margin of 24-2 with amendments.
    • The House Health Committee met and advanced:
      • SB 730, the PA Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) legislation, by a margin of 14-12.
      • SB 804, legislation prohibiting toxic additives in IV bags and medical equipment, unanimously.
      • HB 2593, legislation enhancing prostate cancer education and awareness, by a margin of 25-1, with amendment.
      • HR 534, commissioning a Joint State Government Commission study on Medical Student Choice in Primary Care, by a margin of 25-1.
    • The House passed:
      • SB 115, a long-term care workforce flexibility legislation and PA False Claims Act, by a margin of 139-64
      • SB 806, requiring the disclosure of AI generated content, by a margin of 163-40.
      • HB 2135, adding workplace protections for those experiencing menopause and perimenopause, by a margin of 125-78.
      • HB 1346, requiring private insurance coverage of menopause treatment, by a margin of 146-57.
      • HB 1345, requiring coverage of menopause treatment in Medicaid, by a margin of 193-10.

The House and Senate will both return to session on Monday October 19th through Wednesday October 21st.

The following are healthcare-related bills or cosponsor memos released by legislators this past week

  • Rep. Marla Brown issued a cosponsor memo for legislation to require suspicious death reviews of older adults.
  • Rep. Jessica Benham circulated a cosponsor memo for legislation placing a reimbursement floor in commercial insurance plans for pharmacy services.
  • Sen. Dave Argall released a cosponsor memo for legislation allowing DDAP to purchase generic brands of naloxone.
  • Rep. Pat Gallagher introduced HB 2827, which would update the scope of Physician Associates in the Medical Practice Act.
  • Rep. Eric Nelson released HB 2842, legislation to clarify judgement interest in medical malpractice suits. 

Department of Aging

The Department announced free Medicare choice counseling beginning October 15th offered through PA MEDI to help Pennsylvanians navigate the Medicare open enrollment period. 

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 a notice of fee increases for Direct Nursing Services provided by a Home Health agencies in the MA program.

The Department issued updated guidance and details on Error Status Codes for October 2026.

Department of Health

DOH announced 1,078 measles cases confirmed as of Wednesday, October 7th across 41 counties in Pennsylvania so far for 2026.

The Department issued formal notice of withdrawal of its proposed Chapter 27 Communicable Disease Regulations. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC will hold their public hearing on October 15th to consider DHS’ Mental Health Procedures Act Final Form Regulations and several other updates to state licensure boards. 

State Licensure Boards

The State Board of Nursing issued formal notice of final form regulatory updates for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists along with updates to application & renewal fees.

The State Board of Optometry issued formal notice of final form regulatory updates to continuing education requirements. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health has scheduled the following advisory meetings:

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 29th and concluding in April 2027.

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

Federal Update

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