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PA Health Policy Update for August 4

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

FY 2023-2024 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 611 – the FY 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act – into law yesterday shortly after it was formally signed in the Senate and sent to his desk. The enactment of House Bill 611 will enable funding to be disbursed to, among other entities, county governments and school districts. The Governor and the General Assembly still need to finalize enabling legislation (i.e., code bills) in order for the budget to be fully enacted. Read more in this press release issued by the Governor’s office. 

General Assembly

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania held a public hearing on rural hospital and healthcare sustainability to explore difficulties facing rural hospitals and health systems. Details from the hearing, including the agenda and testimony, may be viewed here. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin updating guidelines for the delivery of physical health services via telehealth. The bulletin applies to all providers enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) Fee-for-Service program.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip # 85 with information about the department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment Program.
  • DHS has shared the following information from the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting on August 2.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

CMS has issued new guidance to state Medicaid programs as they work to return to normal operations after the end of COVID-19 flexibilities. Specifically, this guidance announces an update of CMS’s policy regarding the end date for flexibilities approved in states’ section 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services waiver Appendix K amendments.  Under CMS’s prior policy, these flexibilities were set to expire six months after the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but in this letter CMS explains that these flexibilities may remain in effect for a longer period of time.  

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) has recently issued two Health Advisories (PAHAN – 713 & PAHAN –711) alerting providers of possible measles exposure in Blair, Clearfield, and Montgomery Counties.

DOH has issued a Health Advisory (PAHAN – 712) notifying providers of a nationwide shortage of Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A®). 

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council 

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Counsel (PHC4) has announced it launched a new website. The new website, which is aimed at increasing consumer engagement, may be found here. 

Revenue Collection Update 

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in July, the first month of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Note, the July collection data does not include a comparison against anticipated amounts because the official estimate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year has not been certified. 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

2023-08-04T18:51:26+00:00August 4th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2024 budget|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for August 4
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PA Health Policy Update for May 12

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 8 – 12.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Hospital building

  • CMS has released an updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) document regarding changes made to the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023.
  • CMS has sent a memo to state Medicaid and CHIP programs about the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the COVID-19 national emergency and the implications for Medicaid and CHIP.  Find that memo here. 
  • The DEA has announced that the full set of telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications that were established in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency will remain in place for six more months, through November 11.  During this period the DEA and HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will continue to consider the flexibilities’ future.  Learn more from this DEA announcement, which includes a link to a Federal Register notice. 
  • DOH has notified health care providers the CMS waiver allowing for Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) ends with the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. TNA’s who have not completed the testing by May 11, 2023 may become Nurse Aide Candidates by enrolling in an approved Nurse Aide Training Program. After May 11, 2023, nurse aide candidates will have four months to complete the required testing as long as they are enrolled in an approved nurse aide training program. Nurse aide candidates may continue to work in facilities while they complete the training program. Information on preparing and scheduling tests can be found here. 

General Assembly

  • The state Senate returned to Harrisburg on Monday, May 8 for voting session and is now recessed until Monday, June 5.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an information meeting Wednesday, May 10, to receive updates from local Area Agencies on Aging and to discuss scams targeting older adults. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on May 18 to discuss access to rural medicine and health care in Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held at the Carnegie Natural History Museum in Pittsburgh at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed here.
  • The state House will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 22. The following are selected health-related proceedings.
    • The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting Monday, May 22 at 10:00am to consider, among several resolutions, HB 1131 sponsored by Representative Lisa Borowski, which would remove the requirement for counties to operate state health centers in counties establishing their own local health departments. The meeting will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and will be live streamed here.
    • The House Human Services Committee will hold a voting meeting Tuesday, May 23 at 9:00am to consider, HB 849 sponsored by Representative Mike Schlossberg, to allocate funding for the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health’s recommendations for funding, and HB 931 sponsored by Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, to establish the Kinship Care Legal Assistance Grant Program. The meeting will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and can be live streamed here. 

Joint State Government Commission

The Joint State Government Commission issued a study on the use of contracted workers at Medicaid funded long-term care facilities, as authorized under Senate Resolution 288 of 2021. The study can be viewed here. 

Department of Health 

  • The Department of Health (DOH) issued an update (PAHAN – 694 – 05-11) with information regarding infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in health care settings based on changes made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 8, 2023.
  • DOH reminded nursing care facilities that June 1, 2023 is the deadline for submitting the MCARE Surcharge Invoice Payment.  The 2022-23 surcharge letters and invoices were emailed to administrators on March 3 and again on April 22.
  • DOH issued a notice that the Division of Home Health will have the following new address effective May 8, 2023 – 2525 North 7th Street, Harrisburg PA 17110. 

Department of Human Services 

  • The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a bulletin clarifying the 120-hour timeframe for Section 302 emergency involuntary commitments in response to questions regarding the previous bulletin issued in November 2022. The OMHSAS Bulletin may be viewed here.
  • DHS published Provider Quick Tip #233 confirming the waiver of Prudent Pay will not end on May 11, 2023 with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). It will remain in effect until further notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) released the agenda for its May 18 meeting. Following are certain health-related regulations IRRC will consider.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 18

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18. For information on how to participate, review this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – May 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate. 

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

2023-05-12T21:27:54+00:00May 12th, 2023|COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 12
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PA Health Policy Update for March 31

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 27 to March 31.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

 General Assembly 

  • The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, March 29 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 155, which removes the requirement that direct-care workers be interviewed in person for a position, and House Bill 507, which requires medical schools, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions to receive explicit patient consent for all procedures and exams performed under anesthesia by medical students or for training purposes.
  • The Departments of Health, Aging, and Drug & Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for their respective budget hearings this week. A recording of the hearings can be viewed here. 
  • The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will continue budget hearings the week of April 10. A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here, and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here. 
  • The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24 following the conclusion of budget hearings. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health (DOH) is evaluating a future purchase and distribution of devices that can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. DOH would purchase and distribute the devices free of charge to small businesses, non-profit entities, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other diseases. Long-term care facilities that are interested in receiving a device if this program moves forward should complete this application.  The application is being used to gauge interest in receiving a device and those who complete the application are not guaranteed to receive one.  

In response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, DOH announced the establishment of a community-based health resource network this week to connect Pennsylvania residents impacted by the derailment with local health care providers for long-term assistance.   

Department of Human Services   

The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a bulletin to advise providers of additions and updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule and the issuance of updated physician and general hospital provider handbook pages regarding the prior authorization procedures for proton therapy services. These changes are effective for dates of services on and after April 1, 2023.  

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a memorandum to address stakeholder concerns about the impact of ending OMHSAS’ bulletin suspensions regarding signature requirements specific to consent for treatment, service verification, and treatment plans on March 31, 2023, and clarifying the use of audio-only for telehealth in the delivery of services licensed by OMHSAS.  

Board of Nursing  

The State Board of Nursing published Interpretations Regarding the Administration of Drugs-Statement of Policy in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This statement of policy clarifies that registered nurses may administer a specific amount of conscious sedation medication during minor therapeutic and diagnostic procedures upon a written order of either a physician or a CRNP when either a physician or CRNP is present during the administration. This statement of policy is expected to eliminate confusion about CRNPs’ authority to order and supervise registered nurses’ administration of conscious sedation under certain circumstances.  

Around the State   

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported Pennsylvania long-term care facilities will share $14.2 million from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The funds are intended to support workforce development, staff retention, and infrastructure improvements.   

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s budget hearing this week and noted the focus on the state’s response to the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and Pennsylvania’s post-COVID public health landscape.   

A report issued by Kaufman Hall noted that hospital finances continue to struggle in the face of macroeconomic headwinds but they appear to be beginning to stabilize. Fierce Healthcare details the challenges hospitals continue to confront here.   

Stakeholder Events  

DOH – Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – April 12 

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will meet on April 12, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.   

DHS – Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board – April 26 

The DUR Board will meet Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.  

DHS – Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee – April 26 

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on April 26, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Go here to register to participate.  

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 27 

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate. 

2023-04-05T18:10:50+00:00March 31st, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 31
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, March 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 4 to March 10.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro delivered his first budget address before the General Assembly this week.  The themes highlighted throughout his speech included investing in public safety and public health, creating opportunity by growing the state’s economy, expanding the workforce, ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, and increasing access to mental health services.  In total, Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget would spend $45.8 billion, a $2.5 billion or 5.9 percent increase over the current fiscal year.  For further information about the proposed budget, see the following resources:

General Assembly

  • The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 8 this week.  This legislation requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  It also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer pursuant to Act 52 of 2020.  Senate Bill 8 was received in the House and referred to the Insurance Committee.
  • The state House and Senate appropriations committees will begin hearings on Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2024 budget the week of March 20.  A complete schedule for the House Appropriations Committee can be viewed here and a complete schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee can be viewed here.
  • The state House and Senate are now recessed until the conclusion of budget hearings.  Both chambers will return to session on Monday, April 24.
  • The House Democratic Caucus announced its 2023-2024 legislative session committee chairs this week.  Representative Dan Frankel will serve as chair of the Health Committee and Representative Stephen Kinsey will serve as chair of the Human Services Committee.  A complete list of the House committee chairs can be viewed here.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a notice to inform presumptive eligibility providers of care to pregnant women that the income guidelines used to determine presumptive eligibility have been updated effective January 12, 2023.  Go here to see the notice, which includes information about the criteria for qualifying for presumptive eligibility and the new income guidelines.
  • DHS has posted a reminder that all Medicaid-enrolled providers who dispense hearing aid supplies to Medicaid patients must submit a copy of their renewed Department of Health certification to MA Provider Enrollment by March 16 to continue providing and billing DHS for hearing aid supplies.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has issued a request for information seeking stakeholder input and information concerning the current Community HealthChoices agreement for the anticipated re-procurement of Community HealthChoices managed care organization contracts.  Specifically, the state seeks information on the statement of work for the upcoming re-procurement before issuing a request for application for vendors to bid on program participation.  Go here to learn more about the request for information and what the state seeks from interested parties.  The deadline for submitting comments is April 14.
  • DHS has shared minutes from the February 23 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee and minutes from the January 25 meeting of that committee’s consumer subcommittee.
  • Acting DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh has written an op-ed column outlining how the state will work with its Medicaid population and various organizations to determine the continued eligibility of current participants in the face of the end of the continuous Medicaid eligibility that was part of the federal government’s and the state’s response to the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.  That column was published in several newspapers across the state; find an example here from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  The ideas outlined in this op-ed column are reinforced and explained in greater detail in this Shapiro administration news release.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health has issued a request for applications to award grants to local health departments, health systems, health clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, non-profit organizations, local governments, 501(c)(3) organizations, and other clinical providers serving the 10 counties with the highest suicide rates in Pennsylvania (Venango, Blair, Dauphin, Berks, Luzerne, Lycoming, Wayne, Franklin, Sullivan, and McKean counties) for a suicide prevention pilot program.  It seeks to fund applicants addressing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and creating local inventories of suicide prevention resources.  The overall goal of this funding is to promote the reduction of factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience among disproportionately affected populations especially among Pennsylvania youth.  Learn more from this solicitation notice, which includes a link to the request for applications.  Applications are due by April 6.
  • The Department of Health has published decisions on recent requests for exceptions to health care facility regulations.  Find those decisions in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania fell 19 percent over the past week after falling 17 percent the previous week.  In addition, the number of daily deaths has declined slightly.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell 16 percent last week after a nine percent decline the previous week and was below 1000 for the first time since May of 2022.  The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators declined 17 percent last week and the number in hospital ICUs fell 28 percent and is down into double digits – 98 – for the first time since July of 2022.
  • The CDC reports an 18 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19 after a 13 percent decline the previous week.
  • For the week ending March 8, 10 Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 29 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 29 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.  This reflects a significant improvement over recent weeks.

Stakeholder Events

Patient Safety Authority – Board Meeting – March 16

The Patient Safety Authority board will meet virtually on Thursday, March 16 at 1:00.  For information about participating in the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – March 22

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday March 22 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold its next public meeting virtually on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting April 5

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and support subcommittee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 in Harrisburg.  For information about how to join the meeting in person or participate remotely, see this DHS notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

2023-03-10T21:19:08+00:00March 10th, 2023|COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2023 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, March 10
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PA Health Policy Update for February 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 18-24.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

  • The state House convened for a special session this week and approved two measures addressing the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse – House Bill 1 and House Bill 2.  Both pieces of legislation provide a two-year window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims.
  • The state House and Senate will meet for regular session next week – Monday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 1.
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 28 to consider Senate Bill 8, which requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  It also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer pursuant to Act 52 of 2020.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated its calendar for the delivery of Remittance Advice (RA) notices, electronic fund transfers, and mailing reimbursement checks into early April.  Find the updated calendar here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin advising providers that it will begin covering shadow nursing for private duty/shift nursing services provided to Medical Assistance beneficiaries under 21 years of age effective with dates of service on and after January 1, 2023.  The bulletin includes a procedure code and rate information.  Find the bulletin here.
  • DHS has released its physical health managed care program enrollment report for January.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has sent a notice to stakeholders explaining that with adoption of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress has eliminated the “DATA-Waiver Program.”  For DEA registrants, this means that DATA-Waiver registration is no longer required to treat patients with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder; all prescriptions for buprenorphine only require a standard DEA registration number; there are no longer any limits or patient caps on the number of patients a prescriber may treat for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine; and in Pennsylvania, no current state laws or regulations prohibit practitioners from adopting this change.  The law also introduced new training requirements for all prescribers that will take effect on June 21.  States now await further guidance on these requirements.  Go here to see the message the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs shared with stakeholders.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania and the number of new daily deaths in the past week declined slightly compared to last week.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and on ventilators held steady over the past week while the number in hospital ICUs rose 17 percent.
  • The CDC reports a 13 percent increase in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19.
  • For the week ending February 22, two Pennsylvania counties experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 13 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 52 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission – all the same numbers as last week.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – March 1

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – March 2

The members of PHC4 will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 10:00.  For further information about the location of the meeting and its agenda, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Aging – Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – March 9

The Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Council will meet in Harrisburg on Thursday, March 9 at 10:00.  For information on the location of the meeting or how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – March 9

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will offer a training program for adolescent service providers on two dates:  March 9 and May 16, both at 8:30.  This training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, is designed for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that the March 9 and May 16 sessions will be identical.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – March 22

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday March 22 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will hold its next public meeting virtually on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – Adolescent ASAM Criteria – May 16

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is offering training on adolescent ASAM criteria, to be delivered virtually, for participants who already understand the foundational aspects of the ASAM criteria.  The purpose of this training is to explore and discuss the adolescent-specific aspects of the ASAM criteria and offer participants a practical focus through lecture, real-world clinical vignettes, and case studies.  The program will be held on May 16 at 8:30.  Continuing education credits are available.  Learn more about the program, including requirements for participation and how to join, from this Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs notice.  Please note that this program is identical to one offered on March 9.

2023-02-24T20:10:53+00:00February 24th, 2023|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for February 24
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of September 6-9, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

House Chamber of the State HouseGeneral Assembly

The state House will return to session on Monday, September 12.  The following is an overview of certain health-related committee meetings next week.

  • The House Insurance Committee will meet on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to consider Senate Bill 1201, which ensures coverage for early refills of prescription eye drops at 70 percent of the original prescription price, and House Bill 2499, which adopts the National Association of Insurance Commissioners model law requiring insurers, with exceptions for small insurers, to conduct an annual risk assessment.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will convene on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to consider, among other measures, House Bill 2800, which amends the Medical Practice Act to address an issue related to the licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee will hold an informational hearing on Monday, September 12 at 11:00 to examine the Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate the existing requirement that a medical professional liability action may only be filed in the county in which the cause of action occurred.
  • The House Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, September 12 at 11:15 to consider House Bill 2686, which establishes a grant program to support the start-up costs of a behavioral health collaborative care model in medical practices.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 14 at 10:00 to examine “Child & Adolescent Fatality Trends & Community Responses.”

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to notify dentists of updates to the Medical Assistance program dental fee schedule and the program’s Dental PROMISe™ Provider Handbook.  Find the bulletin here.

The Department of Human Services has updated its Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) Directory.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has written to administrators of long-term-care facilities to encourage them to participate in the state’s Long-term Care Resiliency Infrastructure Supports & Empowerment (LTC-RISE) initiative as a strategy to build workforce resiliency and combat burnout that has resulted from the pandemic.  Find the letter to administrators here and learn more about LTC-RISE and find contact information for LTC-RISE programs serving individual Pennsylvania regions here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Monkeypox

  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 21,504 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 8, up from 19,465 cases on September 1.  624 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 561 a week ago.
  • As of September 6, 380 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia, up from 257 a week ago.  Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s digital monkeypox dashboard.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Assessing and Managing Key Conditions in Long-Term Care – September 15

DHS’s Long-Term Care Learning Network, part of its quality strategy for nursing facilities, is offering in collaboration with the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a webinar on enhancing skills to assess and manage key conditions in long-term care.  The webinar, to be held on Thursday, September 15 at 2:00, will feature best practices from nursing facilities across the state.  This webinar also offers continuing education units for RNs, MDs, and social workers.  Learn more about the webinar and how to participate from this announcement.

Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board – September 15

The Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board will meet virtually on Thursday, September 15 at 8:30.  In addition, the Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition and the Data Advisory Committee will be holding their meetings at this time.  The purpose of these meetings is to discuss board updates and Pennsylvania Cancer Plan implementation activities.  Learn how to participate virtually from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health – September 16

DHS’s Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health will meet on Friday, September 16 at 9:00.  Interested parties can attend in person (in Harrisburg) or virtually.  Go here for information on how to participate in the meeting.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee Consumer Subcommittee – September 21

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, September 21 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – September 22

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, September 22 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Health – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – September 22

The Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 1:00.  For information about how to participate, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-09-09T21:12:39+00:00September 9th, 2022|COVID-19, long-term care, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 9
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, August 19

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of August 15-19, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf signed Executive Order 2022-2, directing state agencies to discourage conversion therapy in the commonwealth.  It directs agencies update policies and procedures to better support LGBTQIA+ employees and Pennsylvanians.  It also directs the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Insurance Department, the Department of State, and other appropriate agencies to explore and implement all options to ensure that state funds, programs, contracts, and other resources are not used for the purposes of providing, authorizing, endorsing, reimbursing for, or referring for conversion therapy, to the extent permitted by law.

Behavioral Health Commission

The new Behavioral Health Commission established by Act 54 (House Bill 1421) held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, August 18.  The commission is tasked with making recommendations to the General Assembly on how to allocate up to $100 million in behavioral health funding.  The commission is co-chaired by Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Dr. Dale Adair, Medical Director of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) at DHS.  The next meeting will take place on Thursday, September 1.

Department of Human Services

  • The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued an updated frequently asked questions (FAQ) document in response to numerous requests for clarification on its telehealth bulletin (OMHSAS-22-02). DHS indicated that the document, which is designed to ensure that providers are aware of current regulatory suspensions and legal expectations, will be updated again as the use of telehealth continues to evolve.
  • DHS has extended its calendar of remittance advice (RA) delivery dates, mailing of checks, and electronic transfers of funds into early October.  Find the updated schedule here.
  • DHS has issued a remittance advice alert notifying providers of a claims recovery that was done to recoup monies paid in error due to its eligibility records indicating recipients being deceased prior to the dates of service being billed.

Department of Health

The Department of Health updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance for the general population to reflect CDC guidance that quarantine is no longer recommended for exposed individuals.

The Department of Health issued recommendations for providers treating Ukrainian refugees, including information on how those individuals can seek Medicaid coverage.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Monkeypox

  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 14,115 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of August 18, a nearly 50 percent increase over the previous week.  371 of those cases were in Pennsylvania.
  • As of August 17, 203 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia. Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s digital monkeypox dashboard.
  • Penn State University announced this week that the Department of Health confirmed a student at Penn State’s University Park campus tested positive for Monkeypox.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Human Services & Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Learning Network – Special Population Webinar – August 25

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Learning Network, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation will host its next webinar in the series focused on special populations in nursing facilities.  This webinar, “Acute Change in Condition Due to Aspiration Events,” will focus on a collaborative approach to managing these conditions.  For more information and a link for registration, click here.

 

2022-08-21T16:17:51+00:00August 21st, 2022|COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, August 19
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PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 29

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of July 25-29, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has issued an executive order on reproductive health services that addresses the delivery of legal reproductive health services in Pennsylvania; investigations of reproductive health services initiated by or in other states regarding services that are legal in Pennsylvania; the protection of health care and other professionals involved in the provision of reproductive health services; communication about reproductive health services; and circumstances under which the governor will not approve interstate extradition for alleged violations of reproductive health laws in other states that are not violations of reproductive health laws in Pennsylvania.  Learn more from the governor’s executive order on reproductive health services.

Governor Wolf has filed a lawsuit against the General Assembly for what the Wolf administration calls its “…unconstitutional attempt to ban abortion in Pennsylvania” through an amendment of the state’s constitution.  The governor’s suit also cites what he believes to be procedural flaws in the manner in which the legislature adopted the proposed amendment.  Learn more from this news release from the governor’s office.

Bookshelf with law booksExecutive Branch Regulatory Agenda

Pennsylvania Executive Order 1996-1 requires all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to submit for semi-annual publication an agenda of regulations under development or consideration.  These agendas are compiled to give the regulated community advance notice of regulatory activity.  This week’s Pennsylvania Bulletin includes the latest such publication of regulations under development and consideration.  They include:

  • Department of Aging – matters involving older adult living centers and the Pennsylvania Community Adult Respite Program.
  • Department of Health – matters involving long-term-care facilities.
  • Department of Human Services – matters involving psychiatric rehabilitation services, Medical Assistance manual changes, the Office of Developmental Programs, county children’s and youth social programs, child residential and day treatment facilities, medical marijuana in facilities, adult protective services, crisis regulations, children with intellectual disabilities and autism, child care regulations, the county mental health and intellectual disabilities fiscal manual, and psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

Learn more about what these agencies are contemplating and find contact information for seeking additional information from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services has extended its calendar of remittance advice (RA) delivery dates, mailing of checks, and electronic transfers of funds into early September.  Find the updated schedule here.

Department of Health

The Wolf administration has expanded the Department of Health’s naloxone standing order to combat the rise of opioid overdoses to include ZIMHI, an intra-muscular version of naloxone in the form of an injection device that comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe or a carton containing two cases of the pre-filled syringes.  Pennsylvanians can present a copy of the standing order at pharmacies to obtain naloxone and can obtain the standing order here.  Learn more from this news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Monkeypox

The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 4639 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of July 27 – more than twice as many as a week ago.  114 of those cases were in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has issued its latest legislatively mandated report on the financial impact of COVID-19 on the state’s hospitals; the report covers the first quarter of the 2022 calendar year.  Hospitals that submitted data to PHC4 (71 percent of the state’s hospitals and health systems) reported $418.8 million in COVID-19-related costs – a combination of COVID-related expenses and revenue losses – during that period and a collective COVID-related revenue loss of $95.7 million.  The figures do not reflect COVID-related emergency funding from either the state or federal government.  Learn more from this PHC4 news release and the report itself.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – State Child Death Review Team – August 10

The Department of Health’s State Child Death Review Team will hold a virtual public meeting on

Wednesday, August 10 at 1:00.  The state’s Child Death Review Program provides training and technical assistance to local child death review teams.  Learn more about the State Child Death Review Team and how to join the August 10 meeting from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board – October 25

The Department of Health’s Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30.  The meeting location will depend on COVID-19 mitigation efforts at that time.  If the meeting can be held in person it will be in Room 129 in the Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Building at 625 Forster Street in Harrisburg.  If the meeting is held virtually it will be held at bit.ly/ABC_MAP.  To dial in, call 267-332-8737, conference ID 440 338 696#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

 

2022-07-29T19:57:25+00:00July 29th, 2022|COVID-19, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, July 29
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 18-22

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of April 18-22, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

Governor Wolf has signed House Bill 245, which reduces the graduate medical training required for international medical graduates from three years to two years; removes the limit on the number of affiliated facilities at which a doctor with an institutional license may practice or teach; and expands and clarifies the scope of practice of temporarily licensed physicians.

General Assembly

  • The state House will be in session next Monday (4/25), Tuesday (4/26), and Wednesday (4/27). The Senate is in recess.
  • The House Professional Licensure Committee will meet on Monday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. to consider House Bill 1956, which creates a license for certified anesthesiologist assistants.
  • The House Health Committee will convene on Tuesday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. to consider the following bills.
    • House Bill 398, which requires a non-custodial parent of a child to enroll their child in their own health insurance plan before seeking Medicaid coverage.
    • House Bill 2441, which gives legislative agencies access to records information for research purposes under the Vital Statistics Law.
    • Senate Bill 317, which provides for the authority to prescribe antibiotics to treat sexually transmitted infections without having examined the individual for whom the drug is intended, in accordance with the Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidance issued by the CDC.
    • Senate Bill 818, which seeks to align procedures permitted in licensed ambulatory surgery centers with those of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Department of Human Services

  • Act 2 of 2022 appropriated $225 million to support the health care workforce needs of hospitals and behavioral health providers.  The law directed that the funding be used strictly for recruitment and retention payments to direct care staff.  Entities receiving payments under Act 2 must submit a report to the Department of Human Services (DHS) documenting staff retention payments by September 30, 2022 and a report on staff recruitment spending by December 31, 2022.  DHS has posted an FAQ describing how Act 2 works and has added to that FAQ a template for submitting the required reports.  Find the FAQ and the report template here.
  • DHS has updated its calendar for delivering Remittance Advice and corresponding checks to extend into early June.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce the addition of new procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for the provision of personal care services that are provided through home health agencies to Medicaid beneficiaries under 21 years of age.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has posted a notice to Medical Assistance fee-for-service providers reminding them of the recommended documentation needed to support the review of authorization requests for private duty/shift nursing and home health aide service hours provided to children under the age of 21.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has shared the minutes of the February 23 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee.
  • DHS has updated its “Monthly Physical Health Managed Care Program Enrollment Report” to include March 2022 data.

Department of Health

  • Keara Klinepeter has resigned as Pennsylvania’s Acting Health Secretary.  She will be replaced by the state’s Physician General, Dr. Denise Johnson.  Learn more from this Wolf administration news release.
  • The Secretary of Health issued a letter to the hospital community clarifying that the intention of the recently issued innovative hospital guidance was to preserve access to care in rural communities in a financially sustainable way.  Find a copy of that letter here.
  • The Department of Health has updated its guidance to providers caring for adults and children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
  • The Department of Health has updated its information about state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing sites to reflect that it currently operates such sites in Berks, Blair, Centre, and Clinton counties and at Edinboro University in Erie.  Learn more about the locations and hours of operation in this department news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts climbed for the fourth consecutive week.  The state’s seven-day average of new cases rose 26 percent, from 1067 cases on April 14 to 1343 on April 21.
  • The seven-day average of COVID-19-related deaths, which has long been declining, rose during the past week from 10 on April 13 to 16 to April 21.
  • The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania has led to increases in some but not all measures of COVID-19-related hospital care.  In the past week the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with the virus rose 13 percent and has now risen 21 percent since the beginning of the month.  The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital ICUs rose 15 percent in the past week but remains modest.  The number of such patients being treated on ventilators, on the other hand, declined 22 percent and remains very low.
  • During the past week nine Pennsylvania counties, up from five last week, experienced high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; three counties, down from five last week, experienced a low rate of transmission; 20 counties, up from 15 last week, experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 35 counties experienced a moderate rate.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has released a fourth quarter 2021 report on the effect of COVID-19 on hospitals and health care facilities in Pennsylvania.  In the report, PHC4 aggregates data on fourth quarter of 2021 COVID-19 expenses and lost revenue as reported by hospitals and health systems to show the impact of the public health emergency on those institutions.  The data in the report reflects financial performance for fewer than half of the hospitals in the state and does not include emergency funding the providers received from the federal or state government.  Learn more from this PHC4 news release and the agency’s “COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Report.”

Stakeholder Events

Behavioral Health Services for the Nursing Facility Population – April 26 and May 3

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Living, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), the HealthChoices behavioral health managed care organizations, and the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations will host a joint webinar on the importance of providing behavioral health services in nursing facilities and making sure nursing facilities know how to gain access to these services.  The webinar will be held two more times and the material presented will be the same at each session.  The webinars will be recorded.  The session on Tuesday, April 26 will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.  The session on Tuesday, May 3 also will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – April 28

The Department of Human Services’ Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will meet by teleconference on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Join the meeting at 866-588-4789 and use conference ID code 211 418 005#.

Patient Safety Authority – April 28

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting of its board on Thursday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to participate see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

2022-04-22T18:48:43+00:00April 22nd, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 18-22
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PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 11-15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of April 11-15, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Harrisburg, PA capital buildingGeneral Assembly

  • The state House and Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week.
  • The House concurred with the Senate’s amendment to House Bill 245 and sent it to the governor’s desk.  House Bill 245 reduces the clinical residency requirement from three years to two years for an applicant who has graduated from an international medical college to receive licensure in Pennsylvania.
  • The House passed on third and final consideration House Bill 2401, which makes permanent two COVID-19 waivers that permit non-physician practitioners to order and oversee orders for home health care services and permits the continued use of remote supervisory visits by registered nurses, and House Bill 2419, which expands access to outpatient psychiatric care via telemedicine.  These bills will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
  • The Senate passed on third and final consideration Senate Bill 1172, which authorizes the establishment of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs by hospitals, mandates the creation of a comprehensive list of such programs, and authorizes a grant program to establish and support SANE services.  The bill was received in the House and referred to the Health Committee.
  • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 regarding “Opioids in the Commonwealth:  Lessons learned and next steps.”  A recording of the meeting may be viewed here.
  • The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee favorably reported House Bill 2097, which makes permanent a COVID-19 regulatory waiver that permits certified emergency personnel, such as firefighters with specific first-aid, CPR, and emergency vehicle training, to drive ambulances with an EMT on board.
  • The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 12 to examine long-term-care facility workforce challenges.  A recording of the meeting may be viewed here.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, April 12 and favorably reported the following bills.
    • Senate Bill 749, which seeks to provide clarity for employees and employers regarding current ambiguity in the state’s medical marijuana law concerning the use of medical marijuana in the workplace.
    • Senate Bill 1121, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to verify wage records from employers and the Department of Revenue for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
    • Senate Bill 1124, which requires DHS to check death certificates at the Bureau of Vital Statistics against Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries.
    • Senate Bill 1188, which seeks to increase awareness, testing, and access to treatment for Lyme disease.

A recording of the hearing may be viewed here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a file note summarizing the March 10 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed care delivery system subcommittee.

DHS has announced the addition of two procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the provision of personal care services by home health agencies to beneficiaries under 21 years of age, effective with dates of service on and after May 1, 2022.  Find those procedure codes in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance for reporting on point-of-care COVID-19 test results to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with revised federal requirements.  See the new guidance here.
  • DOH has updated its information about state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing sites to reflect that it currently operates such sites in Berks, Centre, and Clinton counties and at Edinboro University in Erie.  Learn more about the locations and hours of operation in this department news release.
  • DOH has posted new online resources for providers and the public to learn about and support

Pennsylvanians who may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.  The new information comes in response to a law passed by the legislature earlier this year and signed by Governor Wolf requiring the administration to provide such information.  Go here to find the resources for providers and here to view resources for the public.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • Daily COVID-19 case counts climbed for the third consecutive week.  The state’s seven-day average of new cases rose nearly 24 percent, from 797 cases on April 5 to 986 on April 13.
  • On the other hand, the number of new COVID-19-related deaths continues to decline, from a seven-day average of 17 on April 5 to just 10 on April 13.
  • The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania has not led to increases in hospital care for COVID-19 patients:  during the past week the number of residents in hospital ICUs because of the virus and being treated with ventilators has remained steady while the number admitted to hospitals has risen only seven percent since the beginning of the month.
  • During the past week five Pennsylvania counties – up from two last week – experienced  high rates of transmission of COVID-19 (Potter, Bradford, Susquehanna, Columbia, and Pike); five counties – the same number as last week – experienced a low rate of community transmission (Bedford, Fulton, Juniata, Elk, and Sullivan); and 15 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission while another 42 experienced a moderate rate.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has issued a news release describing its recent talks with state Attorney General Shapiro and other officials about how Pennsylvania might use its share of the national opioid settlement – as much as $1.07 billion – to address substance use challenges in the state.  Learn more here.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has published a policy statement that will permit insurers to ask applicants to voluntarily provide race and ethnicity data on insurance applications in an effort to promote equity initiatives.  The new statement of policy ends enforcement of a prohibition on such data collection published in 1969.  Learn more about this policy change in this department news release and see the policy statement in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Stakeholder Events

Department of Health – Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee – April 21

The Department of Health’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 21 at 10:30.  The purpose of this meeting is to review the committee’s work, review the status and progress of the current request for applications, reaffirm priorities, evaluate and refine the process to review the next spinal cord research applications, and address emerging issues.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Behavioral Health Services for the Nursing Facility Population – April 26 and May 3

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Living, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), the HealthChoices behavioral health managed care organizations, and the Community HealthChoices managed care organizations will host a joint webinar on the importance of providing behavioral health services in nursing facilities and making sure nursing facilities know how to gain access to these services.  The webinar will be held two more times and the material presented will be the same at each session.  The webinars will be recorded.  The session on Tuesday, April 26 will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.  The session on Tuesday, May 3 also will be held at 2:00; go here for more information and to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – April 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s consumer subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – April 28

The Department of Human Services’ Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will meet by teleconference on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00.  Join the meeting at 866-588-4789 and use conference ID code 211 418 005#.

Patient Safety Authority – April 28

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting of its board on Thursday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to participate see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health – Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 6

The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 6 at 10:00 at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, 6340 Flank Drive in Harrisburg, in the Dauphin Conference Room.  To learn more about the meeting, and for information about how to participate virtually, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Human Services – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 10

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00.  To register to participate, go here.

2022-04-15T20:31:51+00:00April 15th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of April 11-15
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  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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