SNAPShots

SNAPShots

PA Health Policy Update for May 19

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 15 – 19.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will maintain 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. 

2023 Primary Election

Pennsylvania’s 2023 primary election was held on Tuesday, May 16.  In addition to judicial and municipal elections, Pennsylvanians in two legislative districts voted in a special election to fill vacancies in the state House of Representatives. Democrat Heather Boyd defeated Republican Katie Ford to represent the 163 Legislative District and Republican Michael Stender defeated Democrat Trevor Finn to represent the 108 Legislative District. The outcome of these two special elections enables the Democrats to maintain their one-vote majority in the House. 

General Assembly

  • The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a public hearing on May 18 to discuss access to rural medicine and health care in Pennsylvania. A recording of the hearing can be viewed 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.
  • The state Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, June 5. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health began to register Temporary Health Care Services Agencies (THCSA) this month, as directed by Act 128 of 2022.  THCSAs are entities engaged in the business of procuring temporary employment in health care facilities for nurse aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and direct care staff. The statute requires any person that owns or operates a THCSA to register annually with the department and provide a list of each separate location. An application, instructions, and additional resources can be found on the THCSA website.

Department of Human Services 

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) released the agenda for the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s (MAAC) May 25 meeting. 
  • Personal care homes and assisted living residences are reminded that after May 11, they should report any COVID-19 outbreaks through the department’s Reportable Incident and Condition form for reporting. If a facility experiences a significant outbreak, it can contact the regional licensing office and ongoing assistance with infection prevention and control is available through the LTC-RISE program.
  • DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through June.  Find the updated calendar here. 

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) met May 18 and considered the following health-related regulations:

Stakeholder Events

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.

 

2023-05-19T20:25:32+00:00May 19th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for May 19
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for April 28

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 24 -28.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination 

Medicaid unwinding has officially begun, and recipients will begin to receive their renewal packets and additional communications from the Department of Human Services 90 days prior to their individual renewal date. Individuals can view their renewal dates in COMPASS and can begin the renewal application online up to 60 days early. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here. 

General Assembly

  • The state House and Senate returned to Harrisburg on April 24 for voting session. Below is coverage of selected health-related committee proceedings.
    • The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a public hearing Monday, April 24 at 10:00am on professional licensing delays in health care. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
    • The House Insurance Committee held a voting meeting on Monday, April 24 to consider, among other bills, SB 8 which requires insurers to cover all 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, and 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. The bill advanced from committee and received a unanimous vote on final passage in the House.  SB 8 will move to the Governor’s desk for his consideration upon signature in the Senate.
    • The Senate Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a voting meeting to consider SB 81, which codifies the ability for EMS providers to leave a dose of Naloxone with an on-scene caregiver. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
    • The House Health Committee held an informational meeting Wednesday, April 26 on unregulated intoxicants and psychoactive substances. A recording of the hearing can be viewed  here.
    • The House Human Services Committee held a voting meeting Wednesday, April 26 to consider the following bills.
      • HB 409, which would establish a mental health care services clearinghouse. The bill was reported without amendment.
      • HB 754, which would provide a standard notice to each nursing home resident and their designated representatives at the time of their admission that they have the option of having legal representation to assist with the application for Medicaid benefits. The bill was re-referred to the House Health Committee.

A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.

    • The House Professional Licensure Committee held an informational meeting on the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
  • The state House and Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 1. Following are selected health-related proceedings.
    • The House Health Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday, May 2 at 9:30am on HB 106, the Patient Safety Act, which sets nursing ratios. The hearing will be held in Room 523 of the Irvis Office Building and can be live streamed here.
    • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee is holding a voting meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at 11:00 to consider among other bills:
      • SB 100, Establishing the Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Illness Diagnosis and Treatment Act.
      • SB 262, Amends the Maternal Mortality Review Committee Act regarding reportable events.
      • SB 414, Expanding access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).
      • SB 500, Provides for Medicaid Coverage for Pasteurized Donor Human Milk.
      • SB 549, Requires consent for pelvic, rectal, and prostate exams.
      • SB 555, Reducing the loaded mileage requirements for EMS Medicaid reimbursement.

The meeting will be held in Room 8E of the East Wing and will be livestreamed here. 

Department of Health 

The Department of Health issued a Health Alert (PAHAN – 693-04-28) with updated recommendations regarding the Monovalent and Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a press release highlighting how the Shapiro administration has reduced the backlog for Medicaid provider enrollment from 34,682 applicants waiting more than 30 days to less than 8,500. The press release notes the backlog has been reduced by 75 percent in the administration’s first 100 days.
  • DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip (#263) with an update notifying providers that the electronic submission process for Office of Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service (FFS) and the Office of Long Term Living’s 180-day exception requests and other claims requiring documentation is available in the PROMISe Portal.

Stakeholder Events

PHC4 –Executive Committee & Council Meeting – May 4

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled an executive committee meeting at 9:30 a.m. and a council meeting at 10:00 a.m. on May 4, 2023. Go here for additional information and details on how to register to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Friday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, or via webinar. You may register for the webinar here.

2023-04-28T20:48:32+00:00April 28th, 2023|long-term care, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Uncategorized|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 28
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for April 14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from April 10 -14.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.) 

General Assembly 

  • The House and Senate Appropriations Committees concluded their budget hearings this week.
    • On Tuesday, April 11, the Department of Human Services appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
    • On Wednesday, April 12, the Department of Human Services appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here and here.
    • On Thursday, April 13, the Department of Health appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Health Committee held an informational hearing Wednesday, April 12 on prescription drug affordability boards. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday, April 13 on black maternal health. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing Thursday, April 13 on PACE/PACENET, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and AARP. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.
  • The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational hearing Thursday, April 20 at 1:00pm on The State Master Plan on Aging. The hearing will be held in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.
  • The House Children and Youth Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, April 20 at 10:00am on overcrowding in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Detention Facilities. The hearing will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office Building and can be livestreamed here.
  • The state House and Senate are currently recessed. They will return to Harrisburg on Monday, April 24.

Department of Health

The Department of Health posted new documents related to the implementation of the long-term care nursing facilities regulations that become effective July 1, 2023:

  • Guidance for long term care regulations (effective July 1, 2023)
  • LTC Licensure Regulations Provider Updates – Presentation
  • LTC Licensure Regulations Provider updates – slides

View these and other guidance documents on the dedicated webpage here.

The Department of Health issued a health advisory with information about the Pennsylvania Childhood Blood Lead Act that took effect on January 2, 2023, and requires certain blood lead assessment and testing for children and pregnant women. Find more information in the health advisory. 

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2023. This bulletin replaces the 2022 recommended vaccine schedule.
  • DHS issued Provider Quick Tip #41, which is an updated Medical Assistance (MA) Desk Reference with provider contacts.
  • DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform MA providers that DHS added Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 0164A (Moderna, Inc.) and 0173A (Pfizer, Inc.) to the MA Program Fee Schedule for the administration of additional bivalent doses of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines.
  • DHS issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers of updates to the Emergency Medical Condition Information Eligibility form. 

Around the State      

  • The Pennsylvania Capital Star reported on the House Appropriations Committee’s examination of Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY 2023-24 budget for DHS.
  • The Scranton Times Tribune wrote about the continued nursing shortage in Pennsylvania and its impact on the health care system.

Stakeholder Events

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.

Patient Safety Authority – April 27

The Patient Safety Authority’s board will meet virtually on Thursday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DOH – Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – May 4

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The SPBP Advisory Council will provide program guidance and recommendations to the Department’s SPBP in regard to the following: drug formulary; covered lab services; drug utilization review; clinical programs; eligibility; and program management. Go here for additional information and details on how to participate.

DHS – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – May 12

The Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee will hold a meeting on Friday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Education Building’s Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, or via webinar. You may register for the webinar here.

DHS – Dual Diagnosis Conference – May 18

The Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will host a state-wide Dual Diagnosis Conference virtually on May 18, 2023. The conference will include a variety of perspectives for supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. You may register here.

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council – 2023 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council released an update list of its remaining meetings for the 2023 calendar year. Additional details may be viewed here.

2023-04-14T20:25:48+00:00April 14th, 2023|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Uncategorized|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for April 14
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for March 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 27 to March 3.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro will deliver his budget address before the General Assembly on Tuesday, March 7 at 11:00.  The FY 2023-2024 budget proposal, the governor’s first, will be an opportunity for him to outline his agenda for the new administration.  Go here to stream the governor’s budget address.

General Assembly

  • State Representative Mark Rozzi (D) resigned as Speaker of the House on Tuesday.  Rozzi, who was unexpectedly elected Speaker on January 3, indicated that he accomplished what he set out to do.  The House then elected Representative Joanna McClinton (D) as Speaker by a vote of 102-99.  She will be the first woman to serve in the position.
  • Following the election of Speaker McClinton, the House Democratic Caucus announced a new leadership team.  Representative Matt Bradford will serve as majority leader and Representative Jordan Harris will serve as chair of the Appropriations Committee.  The complete list of leadership members can be viewed here.
  • The House and Senate are scheduled to be in session on Monday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 8.  On Tuesday, March 7 the two chambers will convene at 11:00 for a joint session to hear Governor Shapiro’s budget address.
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, February 28 and favorably reported Senate Bill 8, which requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations 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.  The bill received second consideration on Wednesday, March 1.

Revenue Collection Update

  • The Department of Revenue announced this week that Pennsylvania collected $2.8 billion in General Fund revenue during February, which was $351.8 million, or 14.2 percent, more than anticipated.  Fiscal year-to-date General Fund revenue collections total $26.1 billion, which is $649.3 million, or 2.6 percent, above estimate.

Department of Human Services

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has issued final-form rulemaking to replace the temporary regulations currently governing the state’s medical marijuana program.  In its notice, DOH responds to public comments and explains differences between the temporary regulations and this final-form version.  For further information, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • Another DOH notice on the medical marijuana program presents a statement of policy to provide guidance to all growers/processors and laboratories approved to test medical marijuana under the program.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DOH has opened a health resource center in Darlington Township, Beaver County for residents of Beaver and Lawrence counties who have health concerns following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture also will participate in the center’s efforts to help interested residents sign up for free, independent water testing and to provide guidance on food and animal safety.  The center will be open weekdays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and is scheduled to operate through March 10.  Learn more from this Shapiro administration news release.
  • DOH has issued a health advisory warning providers of an increase in extensively drug-resistant shigellosis in the U.S.  The advisory includes a CDC advisory on the same condition that includes information about identifying, diagnosing, treating, and reporting the condition.  The advisory notes that no such cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.  Find the advisory here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania fell 17 percent over the past week while the number of daily deaths held steady.
  • Pennsylvania recently passed 50,000 deaths from COVID-19.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 fell nine percent last week while the number on ventilators and in hospital ICUs held steady.
  • The CDC reports a 13 percent decline in the seven-day daily average of new hospital admissions in Pennsylvania because of COVID-19.
  • For the week ending March 1, one Pennsylvania county – Bedford – experienced a moderate rate of community transmission of COVID-19; 26 counties experienced a substantial rate of community transmission; and the remaining 40 counties experienced a high rate of community transmission.

Stakeholder Events

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.

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.

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.

 

2023-03-03T20:24:07+00:00March 3rd, 2023|COVID-19, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for March 3
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for Friday, December 23

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of December 19-23, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers about new procedures for dispensing 340B-purchased drugs to Medical Assistance beneficiaries and about the implementation of the program’s 340B drug exclusion list.  Find the bulletin here.  Find the policies this new bulletin replaces here.
  • DHS has extended its schedule for sending Remittance Advice documents, Medicaid payment checks, and electronic transfers of payments into early February.  Find the updated schedule here.
  • DHS has announced that it will add several prescription drugs to the Medical Assistance program’s list of services and items requiring prior authorization:  corticotropin; targeted systemic immunomodulators for atopic dermatitis, designated as preferred on the program’s preferred drug list (PDL); PCSK9 inhibitor lipotropics, designated as preferred on the PDL; and obesity treatment agents designated as preferred on the PDL.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has posted revisions of the participating drug company list for the Medicaid drug rebate program.
  • DHS has announced its intent to allocate funds in FY 2023 for several classes of inpatient disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments (Medicaid DSH) and supplemental payments to Medical Assistance-enrolled, qualifying inpatient acute-care general hospitals.  It does not intend to otherwise change the qualifying criteria or payment methodology for these payments.  See the announcement, including information about the different purposes for which Medicaid DSH payments will be made, in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has circulated the following materials from the December 7 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting.

Department of Health

  • The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that Pennsylvania will receive $98 million in federal funding to enhance public health infrastructure, including staffing, health planning, and equity and data modernization efforts.  A portion of the funding, from the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure grant program will be allocated to 10 county and municipal health departments.   Learn more from this Department of Health news release.
  • DOH has issued a health advisory informing providers to be aware of possible increases in group A streptococcal infections.  The alert also informs providers about symptoms, testing, and treatment; provides instructions for laboratories that identify cases; and reminds providers and laboratories that they are required to report such cases to DOH.  Find the alert here.
  • DOH has issued a health advisory with interim guidance for clinicians on how to prioritize antiviral flu treatment at a time when there is limited availability of the drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).  Find the advisory here.
  • DOH has revised long-term-care nursing facility regulations recently approved by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to correct typographic errors.  Find the revised, final regulations in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers                          

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases reported daily in Pennsylvania remained steady over the past week but still at an elevated post-Thanksgiving level.  The number of new deaths remains within the usual range for recent months.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs remained steady over the past week but the number on ventilators rose 17 percent.
  • The CDC reports no change over the past week in the seven-day rolling average of new daily COVID-19 hospital admissions.
  • As of December 21, 46 Pennsylvania counties were experiencing high rates of community transmission of COVID-19; 15 were experiencing substantial rates of community transmission; and six counties were experiencing a moderate rate of community transmission.
  • As 2022 draws to a close, Pennsylvania has now experienced 3.4 million confirmed, reported cases of COVID-19 and suffered nearly 49,000 deaths from the virus.
2022-12-23T21:11:29+00:00December 23rd, 2022|COVID-19, long-term care, Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, December 23
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of November 7-10, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

2022 Election Update

While the results are not official, current Democratic Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman has defeated Republican Mehmet Oz to replace retiring U.S. Senator Pat Toomey. Pennsylvania’s congressional incumbents all won another term. The state’s two open congressional seats (PA-12 and PA-17) were captured by Summer Lee (D) and Chris Deluzio (D), respectively.

At the state level, Democrat Josh Shapiro, the state’s current Attorney General, defeated Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano and will be Pennsylvania’s next governor.

Republicans will retain control of the state Senate with 28 of the chamber’s 50 seats; they have been in the majority in the Senate since 1994.  In an unanticipated outcome, Democrats made significant gains in the state House, and as of Thursday afternoon, November 10, are in striking distance of having a majority.  A handful of House races remain too close to officially call and may be headed for a recount. Except for a four-year period from 2007 through 2010, Republicans have been in the majority in the House since 1995.

Come January, Pennsylvania will have a new governor, a vacancy at Attorney General, and nearly a quarter of the General Assembly’s members will be new so there will be changes in caucus and committee leadership.

General Assembly

As of Thursday afternoon, the state House is schedule to return to session on Monday, November 14 and the Senate is scheduled to return on Tuesday, November 15.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m.. to review the recently released Behavioral Health Commission report. The hearing can be livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

Department of Health

The Department of Health has written to nursing home administrators to inform them that temporary nurse aides (TNAs) hired on or before June 6, 2022 have until the end of the federal public health emergency or April 5, 2023, whichever date comes first, to successfully pass the nurse aide exams and have their name enrolled on the Nurse Aide Registry.  Find that letter here.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • According to the CDC, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania continues to fall in the 1700-1800 a day range while the number of deaths is generally between 17 and 20 a day.
  • According to the Department of Health, the number of Pennsylvanians hospitalized with COVID-19, on ventilators because of the virus, and in hospital ICUs because of the disease remained relatively steady over the past week.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – December 7

The managed long-term services and supports subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet in Harrisburg on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00.  Interested parties can join the meeting in person or via webinar.  For information about the location of the meeting and how to join virtually, see this DHS notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Consumer Subcommittee – December 7

The consumer subcommittee of DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00.  Go here to register to participate.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – December 8

DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00.  Go here to register to participate.

2022-11-14T21:35:19+00:00November 10th, 2022|COVID-19, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, November 10
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 23

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of September 19-23, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

General Assembly

The state House and Senate convened for voting session this week.  The following is an overview of certain health-related legislative activity.

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 2425, which requires the Department of Health or Department of Human Services to report allegations of older adult abuse to local area agencies on aging and the Department of Aging.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Aging & Youth Committee.
  • The House unanimously passed House Bill 2806, which requires DHS to establish a public awareness campaign about programs and services available for first responders, health care workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Health & Human Services Committee.
  • The House passed 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 bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.
  • The House Insurance Committee unanimously reported out of committee Senate Bill 225, which seeks to streamline and standardize the process for prior authorization of medical services.
  • The House Children & Youth Committee favorably reported Senate Bill 522, which requires all pregnant women and children in Pennsylvania to receive blood tests to detect lead poisoning.
  • The Senate Health & Human Services Committee held an informational hearing to examine the tick crisis in Pennsylvania.  A recording of the hearing and witness testimony may be viewed here.
  • The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee favorably reported Senate Bill 1330, which requires insurance coverage for 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, and Senate Bill 1225, which provides enhanced coverage of MRIs and ultrasounds for women with certain risk factors.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported House Bill 1393, which seeks to prevent overdose deaths by legalizing fentanyl test strips for personal use, and House Bill 2527, which expands Pennsylvania’s “Good Samaritan” law to cover all opioid reversal medicines approved by the FDA.

The Senate will reconvene on Monday, October 17 and the House on Monday, October 24.

Department of Human Services

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published two Pennsylvania Bulletin notices about FY 2023 Medicaid disproportionate share (Medicaid DSH) payments:
  • The first notice conveys DHS’s intention to make $257.760 million in total (state and federal) payments upon approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for inpatient DSH, outpatient supplemental, and direct medical education payments based on the current state plan qualification criteria and distribution methodologies.
  • The second notice is DHS’s annual publication listing each facility qualifying for certain disproportionate share hospital payments.
  • DHS has posted information about how new providers and those reactivating a service location that has been closed for two years or longer can obtain an electronic provider enrollment application from the PROMISe provider portal landing page.  Go here to learn more.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce that the Medical Assistance program will cover vaccine counseling visits for beneficiaries under the age of 21 for vaccines provided through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit even when no vaccines are administered.  This policy took effect on September 20.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to announce the annual update of the Medical Assistance program’s EPSDT Program Periodicity Schedule and Coding Matrix.  The update took effect on September 19.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers that the Medical Assistance program will cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling visits for beneficiaries under 21 even when a COVID-19 vaccine is not administered.  Go here to learn more.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform Medical Assistance providers that it has added CPT codes 0041A and 0042A to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax.  The update is effective as of July 13.  Find that bulletin here.
  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for specific dental services, effective with dates of service on and after May 2.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for the provision of private duty nursing services provided through home health agencies to Medical Assistance beneficiaries under 21 years of age effective with dates of service on and after October 1.  Find that notice here.
  • DHS has announced the proposed assessment amount, the proposed assessment methodology, and the estimated aggregate impact on nursing facilities that will be subject to the state’s nursing facility assessment program beginning in FY 2023.  Specifically, DHS proposes modifying the assessment methodology by including in the lower rate tier nursing facilities with at least 90,000 Medical Assistance days and with an overall occupancy rate of 77 percent or higher based on calendar year 2021 resident days and also calling for a uniform $3.76 increase of the 2022 assessment rates for both tiers.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS’s Medical Assistance Advisory Committee has shared the presentations made during its September 22 meeting by its

It also has published a list of Medical Assistance Bulletins issued since its June 23 meeting.

  • DHS has received an estimated $12 million from the federal government for the Money Follows the Person program to continue to support new and existing activities that meet the criteria for that program’s funding.  The Money Follows the Person program enables states to leverage federal funding to help Medicaid beneficiaries who live in institutions receive services they need in community settings instead.  Learn more about the funding and the specific purposes for which it is currently being used from this DHS news release.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

  • The weekly average of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania and COVID-related deaths continues to hold relatively steady:  roughly 2500 new daily cases and 20 new deaths with weekly variances of about 10 percent.
  • To date, Pennsylvania has registered 2.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, 570,000 probable cases, and more than 47,000 deaths from the disease.
  • The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and in hospital ICUs and on ventilators because of the virus also remains relatively unchanged.
  • According to the CDC, the seven-day moving average of new hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania was 195 admissions a day over the past week.
  • Sixty-six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties continue to have a high rate of community transmission of COVID-19.  Philadelphia County is currently experiencing “only” a substantial rate.

Monkeypox

  • DHS has published a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance program fee schedule for use when billing for diagnostic laboratory testing for the orthopoxvirus and for the administration of monkeypox vaccines effective with dates of service on and after July 26.  Find that notice here.
  • The CDC has posted an updated map showing the distribution of 23,364 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S. as of September 21, up only slightly from 23,117 cases on September 15.  713 of those cases were in Pennsylvania, up from 684 a week ago.
  • As of September 19, 446 of those Pennsylvania monkeypox cases were in Philadelphia.  Learn more about monkeypox in Philadelphia from the city Department of Public Health’s monkeypox web page.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 has released a new report about the performance of Pennsylvania hospitals for four types of cardiac procedures:  coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention for a heart attack, percutaneous coronary intervention without a heart attack, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.  The report includes hospital ratings for in-hospital mortality, seven-, 30-, and 90-day readmissions, and extended post-operative length of stay.  It also documents case volumes, hospital charges, and statewide trends and offers other statistics.  To find PHC4’s news release on the report, a summary, the report itself, downloadable data sets, information about Medicare payments, and more, go here.

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council – Special Executive Committee Meeting – September 26

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has scheduled a meeting of its Special Executive Committee on Monday, September 26 at 3:00.  The meeting will be held virtually. An agenda will be available here 24 hours in advance.  Contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance for participation instructions.

Department of Health – Health Research Advisory Committee Meeting – October 3

The Department of Health’s Health Research Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Monday, October 3 at 10:00 to hold a formal vote on upcoming priorities.  Learn more about the meeting and how to participate from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee Meeting – October 4

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet in Harrisburg on Tuesday, October 4 at 10:00; interested parties also may participate virtually.  For information about the location of the meeting or to register to participate virtually, see this DHS notice.

Department of Human Services Preventing Workplace Injuries – October 6

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 “Protecting and Preserving our Workforce by Preventing Common Injuries” among health care workers on Thursday, October 6 at 2:00.  Learn more about the webinar and how to register to participate from this notice.

DHS – Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Office of Developmental Programs – Suicide Prevention – October 21

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs will host a quarterly “Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices” meeting that will share the most recent research and resources to help people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities live everyday lives.  The specific subject of the meeting, to be held on Friday, October 21 at 9:00, will be suicide prevention and intervention.  Find the meeting agenda and information about how to register to participate from this DHS 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.

 

2022-09-23T21:43:19+00:00September 23rd, 2022|COVID-19, Medicaid supplemental payments, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for Friday, September 23
Read More

PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 10-14

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania for the week of January 10-14, 2022.  (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Wolf

The Wolf administration has announced the creation of the Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment program, or LTC RISE, which seeks to give long-term-care facilities “…the support they need to battle COVID-19, recover, and rebuild.”  Under the program, long-term-care facilities can pursue improvement projects in the areas of infection prevention and control and emergency preparedness; building a sustainable outbreak response operation; and promoting professional development and a resilient long-term-care facility workforce.  The program is funded by a federal grant and replaces the state’s Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams program, which expired at the end of 2021.  Learn more about LTC RISE from this Wolf administration news release and from the LTC RISE web page.

General Assembly

  • The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1280, which amends the Patient Test Result Information Act.  This bill eliminates the definition of “significant abnormality” and revises the written notice requirement for health care providers in an effort to provide clarity and eliminate conflicting interpretations of the act.  The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
  • The House Health Committee convened on Tuesday, January 11 and favorably reported House Bill 1630, which would grant the Pennsylvania Auditor General the authority to audit managed care contracts and subcontracts with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Medicaid.  The committee also reported Senate Bill 709, which would create public awareness of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and provide for CMV screening for certain newborns.
  • The House Republican Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on rural health care issues next Wednesday, January 19 at 9:30 a.m.  The hearing will take place at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
  • The state Senate will hold voting session during the week of January 17 on Tuesday (1/18) and Wednesday (1/19).
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 18 to consider Senate Bill 1019, which addresses COVID-19 regulatory waivers and suspensions.
  • The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday January 18 to consider, among other bills, Senate Bill 818, which aligns the procedures permitted in ambulatory surgery centers with those permitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); Senate Bill 861, which enters Pennsylvania into the EMS interstate compact; and Senate Bill 927, which expands eligibility for the Medical Officer Health Incentive Program.
  •  The Senate Aging and Youth Committee will convene on Tuesday, January 18 at 11:30 a.m. to consider the following bills:
    • Senate Bill 936, which mandates the reporting and tracking of infants born with an addiction to opioids or other illegal substances within the state.
    • House Bill 996, which requires the departments of Health and Human Services to establish protocols to allow a resident of a long-term-care facility to receive visits by a member of the clergy during a disaster emergency.
    • House Bill 1737, which enables a county children and youth agency to petition the court for an order to compel a drug screening when there is evidence that substance use may be a contributing cause of child abuse or neglect.

Department of Human Services

  • Various Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations were suspended to facilitate the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some of those suspensions have been lifted, so some of the temporarily suspended regulations are being enforced again.  For an updated list of regulations and their current status, organized by offices within DHS and with the most recent changes highlighted, go here.
  • DHS has announced the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.  To find those new codes and the rates to be paid, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has announced the addition of procedure codes to the Medical Assistance fee schedule for the administration of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.  Find the procedure codes, rates, and more in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers of changes in billing procedures for certified registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants serving fee-for-service patients.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers and pharmacies that the fee-for-service program will require prior authorization for prescribing Aduhelm (aducanumab), the new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
  • DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin informing providers and pharmacies that it has issued updated handbook pages presenting the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Xyrem (sodium oxybate)/Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) for fee-for-service patients.  Find the notice here.
  • DHS announced that it intends to continue making Medical Assistance Day One Incentive payments to qualified non-public nursing facilities in FY 2022.   These payments seek to give incentives to non-public nursing facilities to serve individuals who are Medical Assistance-eligible on the day of admission.  Learn more about how and when the payments will be made and how they will be calculated in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS is making available for public review and comment its proposed renewal application for extension of the Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration titled “Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth from a Different State and SUD Demonstration.”  The effective dates of the current approved demonstration are October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2022.  The extension requested will be for an additional five years, through September 30, 2027.  Learn more about the program and the state’s planned request from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
  • DHS’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning has updated its FAQ on its guidance for tuberculin skin testing and COVID-19 vaccinations for providers participating in its licensed programs.  Find that FAQ here.

Department of Health

In the past week the Department of Health announced the opening of a new COVID-19 testing site in Cambria County to go along with other recently opened testing sites in Berks, Blair, Centre, Clinton, Delaware, Luzerne and Mifflin counties.  In addition, the state has announced that a new high-volume and high-throughput COVID-19 testing site will be opening soon in Delaware County at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.  This site will be staffed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contractors with additional support from the host location, the costs for which will be eligible for reimbursement by FEMA.  The Department of Health continues to talk to federal officials about the possibility of opening an additional high-volume testing site in the south-central part of the state.

The Department of Health has announced that Credentia will serve as its new contractor to operate the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry previously operated by Pearson Vue.  Go here for the nurse aide registry search.  The Pearson Vue link no longer works as of January 3.

COVID-19:  By the Numbers

Stakeholder Events

Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority Board – January 18

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority Board will hold its next virtual meeting on Tuesday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m.  The meeting will provide updates on a variety of topics, including model status updates, federal grant deliverables, global budget methodology, and more.  It also will address current and upcoming activities.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – January 20

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting both in person and virtually on Thursday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m.  Agenda items will include reports by the cytomegalovirus and audiology subcommittees, an assessment of audiology training currently in development, and a review of upcoming program activities.  For information about how to join the meeting, either virtually or in person, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s Consumer Subcommittee – January 26

The consumer subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – January 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Go here to register to participate.

Medical Marijuana Advisory Board – January 27

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.  This meeting will be broadcast live through Commonwealth Media Services.  Check www.medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and click on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board tab for live streaming information on the day of the virtual meeting.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – January 27

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m.  For information about how to join the meeting, see this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – January 27

The Statewide Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council will hold a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m.  To participate, call 412-648-8888 or 866-588-4789.  The meeting ID is 487 872 318#.  Learn more from this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee – February 2

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee’s managed long-term services and supports subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m.  Interested parties can join the meeting here or call in at 914-614-3221, access code 300-175-489.

Office of Long-Term Living – Financial Management Services Stakeholder Meeting – February 4

The DHS Office of Long-Term Living’s financial management services stakeholder group will hold a virtual public meeting on Friday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of financial management services under the Community HealthChoices, OBRA                     Waiver, and Act 150 programs.  Go here to participate or join by phone at 1-408-418-9388.

 

2022-01-14T22:33:59+00:00January 14th, 2022|Coronavirus, COVID-19, HealthChoices, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid coronavirus, Pennsylvania Medicaid COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off on PA Health Policy Update for the Week of January 10-14
Read More

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Home / About Us / Advocacy / Why Join? / SNAPShots / Contact Us

  • P: (717) 234-6970

  • 2020 Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

Go to Top