The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 31 – September 4 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents). 

General Assembly

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

• Rep. Arvind Venkat circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to prohibit unilateral contract modifications or reinterpretations between insurers and healthcare providers.
• Both Rep. Melissa Shusterman and Sen. Nick Miller released a House co-sponsor memo and Senate co-sponsor memo for legislation to place guardrails around the use of AI when providing mental or behavioral health.
• Rep. Gina Curry filed a co-sponsor memo for legislation establishing the right of women to receive medically necessary sterilization.
• Rep. Dan Frankel introduced HB 2754, legislation to place additional oversight and requirements during the change of ownership process for nursing homes. 

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.

The Department posted a recording of their recent HR1 Webinar for community partners and stakeholders detailing the Department’s approach to upcoming Medicaid changes necessitated by the federal HR1.

DHS released two Medical Assistance Bulletins to meet federal HR 1 requirements:

• Updates to Emergency Medical Assistance
• Emergency Medical Assistance Drug Billing Procedures

The Department also shared an alert with revisions to the participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

Department of Health

The PA Health Alert Network is moving to a new platform so current users are encouraged to register with the new platform here to continue to receive alerts.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is accepting applications for its Long-Term Care Quality Investment Program, funded through approximately $12 million in RHTP dollars, for grants to eligible skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and intermediate care facilities. Funding can be used for workforce development and infrastructure improvements to enhance operations, support resident and staff well-being, and strengthen participation in value-based care initiatives. DOH anticipates issuing between 48 and 100 awards for grant agreements beginning January 1, 2027 and ending September 30, 2027. Find more information here.

On September 1^st, DOH launched its annual questionnaire of long-term care facilities for the data reporting period of 7/1/2025 through 6/30/2026. This web-based questionnaire must be submitted to the department by October 23, 2026. Completion of this questionnaire is mandatory and failure to complete could result in a facility deficiency and a fine. DOH shared an email with log-in information to all licensed long-term care facilities earlier this week, but facilities that have not received the information may reach out to Aicha Hassane Noma at ahassaneno@pa.gov to get the proper information. 

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on September 15^th at 1pm.

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.