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PA Health Policy Update for November 7

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 3 – November 7 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly and Budget Update

After Pennsylvania’s judicial and local election this past Tuesday, four members of the PA House won local elected offices which will require special elections early next year following their respective swearing-in to those offices. As Rep. Lou Schmitt, winner of a county judicial race indicated, “People were focused on the election… Now that the election is out of the way, people can go back to policy.” The House and Senate will have the opportunity to do so when both chambers are set to return on November 17^th.

On Monday, November 10^th at 10am, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on supporting home care workers and consumers. The hearing can be streamed live here.

Department of Health

The Department’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program released their approved covered drug list in their October Advisory Council meeting which will take effect on December 1^st. The Department also updated its list of Medicare Part C and D plans with premium payment agreements with SPBP for 2026.

Department of Human Services

DHS has issued helpful guidance and information to assist individuals in understanding the federal SNAP work requirements instituted earlier this fall.

DHS released MA Bulletins on updated prior authorization policies for several drug classes in response to recommendations from the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine shared Education and Volunteer Services proposed regulations to add new mandatory education requirements and clarify the process for a volunteer license.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold their public meeting on Wednesday Nov. 19^th and Thursday November 20^th both from 9am-3pm.

DOH’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday Nov. 13^th from 10am – Noon.

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee plans to meet December 4^th at 10am. You can register for the meeting here.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-11-07T20:33:35+00:00November 7th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for October 31

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

Budget Update

In a hopeful sign, top legislative leaders have met daily with the Governor and key staff throughout the week. The House and Senate are both set to return on November 17th. As negotiations continue, school districts and counties are adjusting services and payments to navigate the impasse.

General Assembly

During this week’s session, the House unanimously passed Rep. Ben Sanchez’s HB 446, allowing patients to take home unused medications following a hospital stay. The House also passed HB 1828, vaccine coverage and access legislation offered by Rep. Arvind Venkat, by a margin of 104-99. Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration.

The House Professional Licensure committee advanced Sen. Rosemary Brown’s SB 507. This legislation would update and modernize midwifery services in Pennsylvania.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee voted to advance SB 270 and SB 614. Senator Amanda Cappelletti’s SB 270 would restrict online sales of human donor milk. SB 614, Chairwoman Michele Brooks’ legislation on FQHC Preceptors, was amended to limit the program to only rural areas.

The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee met to consider HB 157, SB 804, and SB 998. Rep. Kathy Rapp’s HB 157 would create a Rural Health Care Grant Program within the Department of Health. Senate Bill 804 from Sen. Boscola would prohibit toxic additives in IV Bags and medical equipment. Senate Bill 998, introduced by Rep. Rosemary Brown, would create a Nursing Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program within the Department of Community & Economic Development.

The House Health Committee held an informational meeting on the Department of Health’s Newborn Screening program on October 28^th where Rep. Sailsbury’s House Bill 1652 was discussed. This legislation would add Gaucher Disease to the Newborn Screening program.

The Senate State Government Committee held a hearing to discuss SB 125, Sen. Dush’s proposed constitutional amendment to address change of judicial venues.

The House Human Services Committee amended and advanced House Bill 1974 by Rep. Venkat. HB 1974 proposes to create a Contingency Management Support Grant Program within the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), enabling Single County Authorities to apply for grants supporting Contingency Management programs and activities like staff training, drug-testing supplies, incentive tracking systems, evaluation, and non-cash incentives.

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted out HB 1530 which would establish privacy protections for Pennsylvania consumers regarding their genetic data collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies (e.g., commercial DNA testing services).

Below is a list of health and human services-related legislation and co-sponsor memos released this week.

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten released a co-sponsor memo for legislation to require coverage of obesity treatments.

Rep. Wendy Fink introduced HB 1997 which allows autologous or directed blood donations for certain medical procedures.

Department of Human Services

The Department issued several changes to the MA Fee Schedule, adding procedure codes, prior authorization requirements, and changing units and limitations on procedure codes.

State Board of Nursing

The State Board of Nursing issued final form regulations effective upon today’s publishing in the PA Bulletin, but with provisions relating to organ & tissue donation taking effect May 1, 2026.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC will consider DHS’ proposed Covered Outpatient Drugs Regulation at their November 20^th public meeting.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold their public meeting on Wednesday Nov. 19^th and Thursday November 20^th both from 9am-3pm.

DOH’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday Nov. 13^th from 10am – Noon.

DOH’s Spinal Cord Research Advisory Committee will meet on Friday Nov. 7^th from 8:30am – 9:30am.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-31T18:57:20+00:00October 31st, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for October 17

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 14- October 17 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

The budget process has remained at a stalemate this week with no changes following House action last week. The Senate is scheduled to return this upcoming week. The House is set to return on October 27^th.

General Assembly

Rep. Melissa Shusterman introduced HB 2005, which would remove the counseling and waiting period requirements for abortions in Pennsylvania. This legislation along with several other abortion-related bills will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on October 22^nd.

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee will convene on October 22^nd to consider Sen. Wayne Langerholc’s SB 69, which would create a “Recovery-To-Work” pilot program.

Rep. Jessica Benham introduced HB 1939, which would require DHS to update fee schedule rates for home and community-based services provided through intellectual disability and autism programs based on the Consumer Price Index.

Senator Michele Brooks introduced SB 1043 and SB 1051, both designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s eligibility for new federal Rural Health Transformation Fund dollars. The funding application offers states additional points in their total application score if they have adopted certain policy priorities of the Trump Administration or introduced legislation to do so. SB 1043 would require nutrition continuing medical education (CME) for clinicians to ensure providers are better equipped to address diet-related chronic disease. SB 1051 would require PA to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to expand our rural workforce by making it easier for PAs from other states to practice in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Brooks also introduced SR174, which would urge Congress to establish a national database or system to share wage, employment, unemployment compensation and other relevant eligibility data with the states to improve compliance with the recent eligibility verification changes in the federal HR1.

Senator Tina Tartaglione introduced SB 1054, which would require all high schools in Pennsylvania to maintain opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or Narcan, onsite.

Department of Human Services

The DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a request for proposals from non-profit organizations interested in expanding the Fairweather Lodge (FWL) model in the commonwealth. The FWL model is a structured, community-based program that supports individuals with serious mental illness reintegrate themselves into the community after facing homelessness or transitioning from state hospitals, correctional facilities, or long-term care settings. FWL providers offer emotional support, a place to live, and employment. OMHSAS is interested in establishing two to five new lodges that would serve up to 18 individuals. Find details and application materials here.

DHS issued Remittance Advice guidance for providers that do not receive a check or Remittance Advice (RA) within established time frames for each RA cycle.

DHS proposed rulemaking on minimum standards for the issuance of licenses to provide emergency behavioral health crisis intervention services in alignment with national best practices for crisis services. This proposed rulemaking also establishes new requirements related to service modalities including facility requirements, quality monitoring, staffing qualifications, services provided and training.

Department of Health

DOH issued a request for proposals from eligible community-based health care clinics (CBHCs) to fund the development of new CBHCs or the expansion of existing clinics to enhance maternity and postpartum care, hospital partnerships, or alternative care delivery systems. The deadline for applications is November 17. Find the RFP with more details and budgeting materials here.

Pennsylvania Insurance Department

PID announced the releasing of the final Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance rates for 2026, which reflect significant price increases for Pennsylvanians if Congress fails to extend enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs).

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging (PDA) announced a new tool for screening in-home care workers to increase hiring transparency and protect older adults.

PDA reminded older Pennsylvanians that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, with free insurance counseling available through Local Aging Agencies.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS is hosting its next Medical Assistance Consumer Subcommittee meeting on October 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Interested attendees can register here. The full MAAC will meet at 10 a.m. on October 23^rdin the Keystone Building, Harrisburg.

DHS and the Treasury Department are partnering on a webinar on a PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program for OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, MCO Staff, and anyone working in employment support services. The webinar is scheduled for October 29^th from Noon to 1pm. Individuals can register here.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-17T19:25:43+00:00October 17th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for October 10

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 6- October 10 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

Tensions rose in the continued budget impasse this week. As the stalemate reached 100 days, House Democrats amended and sent SB 160, a $50.25 billion budget bill, over to the Senate. All four caucuses and the Governor held press conferences staking out their respective positions and the path forward remains uncertain. The Senate placed itself on a 24-hour call-of-the-chair but is formally scheduled to return on October 20^th. The House is set to return on October 27^th.

General Assembly

Rep. Arvind Venkat introduced HB 1925, which would regulate the usage of AI in healthcare.

The House amended a technical amendment into HB 446 which would allow individuals to take dispensed, unused medications home with them following a hospital stay.

HB 1828, which requires private insurance coverage of vaccines without cost-sharing that are FDA-approved and recommended by recognized authorities, was reported from the House Insurance Committee as amended on a party-line vote, with Republicans voting in the negative.

HB 1881, which expands pharmacists’ practice authority to provide vaccines in accordance with recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities informed by professional medical societies in addition to FDA guidelines, was reported from the House Insurance Committee as amended on a party-line vote, with Republicans voting in the negative.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee unanimously passed HB 1894 which would enhance counseling of individuals on the LIFE program during the MA long term care enrollment process.

SB 507 was advanced by the Senate on second consideration and by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is positioned for third and final consideration. This bill would create a licensure pathway for certified midwives in Pennsylvania, allow midwives to prescribe treatment for opioid use disorder, and modernizes the current collaborative agreement structure.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

DDAP, in partnership with CODE PA, announced improvements to the ordering process for PA’s Overdose Prevention Program through a streamlined application process.

Department of Human Services

In this week’s PA Bulletin, DHS announced the addition of targeted case management (TCM) services for eligible juveniles effective October 12, 2025. The Department will use existing payment methodologies for the physical health and behavioral health pre-release and post-release TCM services rendered to eligible juveniles being released from a carceral setting, with CMS approval. The Department will issue an MA Bulletin to advise enrolled providers of the addition of TCM for eligible juveniles to the MA Program Fee Schedule and instructions for billing these services.

Following Executive Order 2025-02 ,  DHS affirmed that Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program will continue to support access to vaccinations at no out-of-pocket cost for Pennsylvanians whose health care is covered by Medicaid and CHIP.

The Department issued a MA Bulletin Notice adopting the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Dental Periodicity Schedule.

The Department released the MCO Enrollment Report for August 2025.

Department of Health

The Department of Health Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care (DAAC) revised its policy on when facilities must notify DAAC in advance of certain events and removed the requirement to provide 30 days’ notice before adding new equipment. See the revised guidance here and email DAAC at RA-DAAC@pa.gov with any questions.

DOH has updated the forms that hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities should use for exception requests. Follow the links on this document for the most current forms.

DOH issued a notice to facilities explaining that the department will be adhering to the CMS guidance for survey activities during the federal government shutdown. DOH will continue to conduct state and Medicaid only licensure, occupancy, and complaint surveys. Federal survey activities will be limited to the excepted surveys identified by CMS, including hospice surveys and other facility surveys involving allegations of immediate jeopardy or actual harm and survey-related activities associated with federal terminations from CMS. The department is awaiting CMS guidance on managing any follow-up activities related to surveys completed prior to September 30.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS and the Treasury Department are partnering on a webinar on a PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program for OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, MCO Staff, and anyone working in employment support services. The webinar is scheduled for October 29^th from Noon to 1pm. Individuals can register here.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-14T16:33:27+00:00October 10th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 12

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

Budget Update

The state budget impasse continues, more than ten weeks past the constitutional deadline. Senate Majority Leader Pittman told reporters this week that he is “encouraged by the meaningful work at the negotiating table” but there is no agreement on a final budget at this time. Various potential budget-related bills continue to be positioned in order for a completed budget to be passed within a few days of a budget deal being reached. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the President Pro Tempore and the House stands adjourned until Monday, September 22, 2025 unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

General Assembly

The Senate met for voting session this week. The following is a summary of health care related legislative activity:

The Senate passed SB 381 that would prohibit the use of commonwealth funding for certain animal testing activities in research facilities. The bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure committee favorably reported SB 507 with amendments. The bill provides for licensure of certified midwives, allows them to prescribe treatment for opioid use disorder, and seeks to modernize the collaborative agreement structure for midwives.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) issued comments on the State Board of Nursing’s proposed regulations for the certified registered nurse anesthetists. See IRRC’s comments in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice. The nursing board is required to address IRRC’s comments and questions when issuing its final form regulations.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) updated its list of Remittance Advices with information on a new ADA claim form that should be used for dental claims with dates of service after November 1, 2025. See the alert here.

DHS issued its 2024 Annual Report from the Bureau of Human Services Licensing, which licenses personal care homes and assisted living residences. The report shows data on the number of facilities, patient census and demographics, and facility incidents and complaints. Click here for the full report.

The Office of Long-Term Living is accepting statements of interest from new and existing Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program operators to serve 12 counties that do not yet have LIFE program services available for seniors age 55 and older. Click here to view the announcement in the Pennsylvania Bulletin with instructions on how to request information about the application and evaluation process.

DHS issued an Medical Assistance Bulletin with updates to the Dental Fee Schedule. These updates include revised frequency and unit limitations for several codes as well as a change in age limits for two codes. These changes are considered effective as of August 1, 2025.

Around the State

An article from the Penn Capital Star explores the ways in which health care providers in Pennsylvania are already responsibly using artificial intelligence (AI) amid discussions from lawmakers to introduce legislation to regulate AI use in health care.
ABC27 describes the geographic split that may be compounding the political split between legislative leaders as the budget impasse wears on. With caucus leaders from opposite sides of the commonwealth and regional transit funding issues at the core of negotiations, “There’s no question geography of the membership and leadership members has played a role,” said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).
Though it is not an unusual financing move for many school districts, the Philadelphia district this week voted to borrow up to $1.55 billion (WHYY) to support services during the state budget impasse. Because of the lack of state and federal funds, this year’s borrowed amount is $1 billion more compared to previous years, costing millions more in interest payments for the district.

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) – Sept. 25

The DHS Medical Assistance Advisory Committee will meet virtually on September 25, 2025, at 10:00am. To register, click here.

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Emerging Drug Trends Symposium – Nov. 18

DDAP will host its 2025 Emerging Drug Trends Symposium on November 18 from 7:00am to 4:00pm at the Penn Harris Hotel & Conference Center in Camp Hill, PA. Attendees will discuss the latest drug use and overdose trends in PA, shifting overdose patterns and drug supply, and evidence-based best practices. Click here to register for this free event.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-12T21:51:32+00:00September 12th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 1

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 28 – August 1. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

The SNAP State Health Policy Update is taking a summer break and will return on August 15 with more health policy news.

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to negotiate a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget agreement. The state House of Representatives and Senate are currently in recess pending a final budget agreement.

The Senate Republican Policy Committee is holding an informational meeting on August 5 regarding mental health services at the Geisinger Behavioral Health Center in Danville, PA.

Department of Human Services

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #278 indicating DHS has experienced a delay in implementing the updates noted in Medical Assistance (MA) Bulletin 99-25-03 titled, “Updates to Screening Guidelines for Prior Authorization”. This MA Bulletin advised providers that the Department would transition from InterQual guidelines to Milliman Clinical Guidelines (MCG) as the screening guidelines for prior authorization requests to determine medical necessity for services, items, procedures, or level of care provided to MA beneficiaries in the Fee-for Service (FFS) delivery system, effective July 18, 2025.

The Department of Human Services has published in this week’s Pennsylvania Bulletin final-form rulemaking to amend a data element in the department’s case-mix payment system for nonpublic and county nursing facilities to utilize the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) in place of the Resource Utilization Groups, Version III (RUG-III) classification system in setting Medical Assistance (MA) payment rates for nursing facilities.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) recently shared a message from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) asking health care operators for assistance investigating an individual who is accused of using several aliases to pose as a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and RN supervisor at multiple facilities in the commonwealth. Providers are asked to review their employment records and report new information to PSP directly. Find more information in this PSP notice.

The Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating the statewide distribution of free potassium iodide (KI) tablets on August 14 for all Pennsylvanians who live, work, or study within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants in the Commonwealth. The press release can be found here.

Department of Aging

The Shapiro administration announced the members of an advisory committee to support the newly created Alzheimer’s Dementia and Related Disorders Office in the Department of Aging.

Around the State

Secretary of the Budget Office, Uri Monson, penned letters to local educational leaders and county public welfare providers explaining which funds will not be able to be distributed during the budget impasse. Find more information and copies of the letters in this Spotlight PA article.

Less than half of Pennsylvania hospitals are complying with federal price transparency requirements, according to a new study discussed in this article from Erie News Now.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the nutritional value of food in hospitals and how some providers are working to improve it in this article.

Spotlight PA launched the first in a series of articles called The Cost of Failing, which will analyze and chronicle mental health spending and services in all 67 counties over the last few state administrations to show how many fewer people receive mental health services in the commonwealth today than just a few years ago.
City & State reports on how rural hospitals across Pennsylvania are bracing for steep financial stress following the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and how these hospitals, which rely heavily on Medicaid revenue, face escalating risks of closures and service reductions as proposed cuts drive up uncompensated care and threaten stability in already vulnerable rural communities.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee – August 6

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold its next public meeting on August 6 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-08-01T20:53:57+00:00August 1st, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 25

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 21 – July 25. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to negotiate a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget agreement. The state House of Representatives and Senate are currently in recess pending a final budget agreement.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has informed states, including Pennsylvania, that it “does not anticipate approving new state proposals of section 1115 demonstration expenditure authority that allow for expanded continuous eligibility or extending existing section 1115 demonstration authority for expanded continuous eligibility, beyond what is required or available under the Medicaid or CHIP statutes.” This will likely prevent Pennsylvania from implementing continuous eligibility for children on Medicaid until the age of six and 12 months of Medicaid coverage to individuals leaving state correctional facilities.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of June 2025.

DHS has announced that the Human Services Provider Directory has moved to a new web address. The new address is https://www.humanservices.dhs.pa.gov/human_service_provider_directory/.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the launch of seven new training opportunities to assist health care providers reduce overdose risk and improve patient outcomes. Training is available online and in-person at no cost and includes continuing education credits for health care providers. Find additional information in this press release.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the release of its Cardiac Procedures Report, which includes results for six cardiac procedures performed in Pennsylvania acute care hospitals from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023. This report displays hospital-specific ratings for in-hospital mortality, readmissions, extended postoperative length of stay, volume of cases, and average hospital charges.

Board of Dentistry

The State Board of Dentistry has published final form rulemaking to implement licensure by endorsement for dentists. The rulemaking is effective upon its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Find the final rulemaking here.

Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology has published final form rulemaking to implement licensure by endorsement. The rulemaking is effective upon its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Find the final rulemaking here.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has published a piece on the closure of pharmacies across Pennsylvania and the broken payment system that’s being blamed for their closure.

Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse and the impact it will potentially have on schools, county governments, and mass transit was the focus of an article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

PennLive has written an article about the potential for additional rural hospital closures due to the federal changes in H.R. 1 that will impact Medicaid funding for hospitals.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee – August 6

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold its next public meeting on August 6 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-07-25T19:33:08+00:00July 25th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 18

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 14 – July 18. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to negotiate a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget agreement. The state House of Representatives and Senate briefly convened in Harrisburg this week to position House Bill 1330, which provides for appropriations from the General Fund, to enable the budget to be swiftly enacted when an agreement is reached. Both chambers are currently recessed pending a final agreement.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 564, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement a campaign to increase public understanding and engagement with the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 604, which authorizes the state to join the National Counseling Compact. The bill was subsequently sent to the House of Representatives and referred to the Professional Licensure Committee.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Thursday, July 17 and favorably reported House Bill 1429, which requires a study on the feasibility of implementing chip-enabled electronic benefit cards (EBT) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and House Bill 1527, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania held an informational hearing on Wednesday, July 16 regarding health care provider policies that have been implemented in other jurisdictions to address the shortage of health care workers in rural areas. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Remittance Advice (RA) related to its previous announcement that it will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2024 through June 6, 2025 due to a delay in implementing Version 42 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled acute care general hospitals.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through the month of August. Find the updated calendar here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued final notice to temporarily schedule any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following Nitazene substances, their salts, isomers and salts of isomers: Butonitazene, Etodesnitazene, Flunitazene, Isotonitazene, Metodesnitazene, Metonitazene and Protonitazene. This final order to temporarily schedule will temporarily categorize this class of compounds as Schedule I controlled substances. Find more information in this press release.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) along with the Department of Human Services has announced that licensing staff from both agencies will begin conducting coordinated annual inspections of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health treatment facilities that are licensed by both agencies for outpatient, partial hospitalization and residential services.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) has announced the release of a report that includes state-wide data and facility-specific information about the financial health of Pennsylvania’s general acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2023. Financial Analysis, Volume One, is the first in a three-part series of financial reports produced annually by PHC4.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has written an article about the potential impact of the recently enacted federal reconciliation package on Medicaid coverage in the Pittsburgh area.

Spotlight PA has published a piece about the board that oversees how Pennsylvania counties spend opioid settlement money and how it operates outside of the state’s transparency laws.

WESA has published an article about Pennsylvania’s FY 2025-26 budget, which is more than two weeks late, and the state of negotiations.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – July 23

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 23 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – July 24

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on July 24 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-07-18T20:47:25+00:00July 18th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 11

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from July 7 – July 11. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders continue to meet and negotiate in an attempt to reach a final agreement on the commonwealth’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 spending plan, which is 11 days overdue. As discussions continue, the Senate is recessed until the call of the chair and the House is currently scheduled to return to session on Monday, July 14.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed the following bills into law this week.

House Bill 309, now known as Act 29 of 2025, amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license.

Senate Bill 95, now known as Act 34 of 2025, permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed. The bill also places certain disclosure requirements on pharmacies related to the retail and generic versions of prescribed medications and allows for the provisional licensing of pharmacists.

The Shapiro administration has announced that Pennsylvania is a full participant in three multistate licensure compacts that will streamline the licensure process for physicians, nurses, and physical therapists.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1697 by a vote of 136-67. House Bill 1697 establishes a state level false claims act. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 80, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives is currently scheduled to return to session on Monday, July 14. The Senate is recessed until the call of the chair.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that it experienced a delay in implementing Version 42 of the APR DRG classification system for Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled acute care general hospitals. As a result of the delay, DHS will begin to mass adjust claims submitted for discharge dates October 1, 2024 through June 6, 2025. Find additional information in Provider Quick Tip #275.

DHS has announced it will hold another listening session in its “Food is Medicine Stakeholder Engagement Series,” which is part of the Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health demonstration waiver. The next session, which will focus on pregnancy food boxes, will take place on June 21 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional information and registration details here.

Department of Community & Economic Development

The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) has announced it will publish its draft action plan for the 2024 Allocation of Recovery Housing Program for public review and comment beginning July 12. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Pennsylvania $1.2 million of Recovery Housing Program funds, which will be administered by DCED. The purpose of the program is to help grantees to provide stable, temporary housing to individuals in recovery from a substance disorder. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC)

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has published notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of recent actions taken by the commission, including the approval of the following pertinent regulations.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has published an article about the potentially negative impacts the federal reconciliation package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump will have on access to rural health care.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has written a piece about the Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based insurance marketplace, and the impact on enrollment if Congress doesn’t extend the enhanced tax credit subsidies.

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – HIV Planning Group – July 16-17

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – July 22

The WIC State Advisory Board has announced its next regular meeting of the board will be held on July 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to collaborate to gather suggestions of strategies for increasing participation and improving the WIC program to better support participants. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

The Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The meeting will be conducted in person only. Find information on how to RSVP in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-07-11T20:14:15+00:00July 11th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for July 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 30 – July 3. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders have yet to reach a final agreement on the commonwealth’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 spending plan. In a statement released by Senate Republican leadership, they indicated they’ll continue to “work with all parties to reach a final agreement.” Governor Shapiro and House Democratic leadership have indicated an agreement may be possible in the coming weeks. Presently, the Senate is recessed until the call of the chair and the House is scheduled to return to Harrisburg on Monday, July 7.

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has signed into law House Bill 640, which is now known as Act 14 of 2025. Act 14 updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and eliminates the sunset date of the state’s provider assessments in anticipation of certain changes to provider assessments being contemplated by the U.S. Congress.

Governor Shapiro has signed Senate Bill 411 into law. Act 24 of 2025, as it’s now known, provides the ability for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create and utilize a stroke registry.

The Shapiro administration has released a document with estimates regarding how many Pennsylvanians may lose Medicaid and SNAP benefits as a result of the reconciliation package being considered by the U.S. Congress.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate briefly convened in Harrisburg this week. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The Senate voted to concur with the House amendments to Senate Bill 95, which permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed. The bill also places certain disclosure requirements on pharmacies related to the retail and generic versions of prescribed medications and allows for the provisional licensing of pharmacists. The bill has been presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1234, which expands the Medical Assistance (MA) program to cover blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service on a per pregnancy basis. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 482, which authorizes Pennsylvania to join the National Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 309, which amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to allow team physicians traveling internationally with their club or national team to treat their own players on site during games without needing a Pennsylvania medical license. The bill was subsequently presented to Governor Shapiro for his signature.

The House Labor & Industry Committee met on Tuesday, July 1 and favorably reported House Bill 1676, which establishes the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Tuesday, July 1 and favorably reported Senate Bill 715, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Finance Committee met on Monday, June 30 and favorably reported House Bill 1129, which allows early-stage technology and biotechnology businesses to sell their net operating losses (NOL) and unused research and development tax credits to unrelated companies. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House of Representatives is currently scheduled to return to session on Monday, July 7. The Senate is recessed until the call of the chair.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published its annual list of exceptional Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for nursing facilities. Find the list and additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has issued an updated Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Directory.

DHS has issued its report on Medicaid managed care enrollment in Pennsylvania for the month of May 2025.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published notice that, effective July 1, 2025, ConcussionWise is no longer an approved concussion management certification training course. The only approved courses are through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has announced that Pennsylvania ended the 2024-25 fiscal year with $46.4 billion in General Fund collections, which is $321 million, or 0.7 percent, above estimate. The Independent Fiscal Office’s (IFO) monthly revenue update for June 2025 is viewable here.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced that the agency recently issued Pennsylvania’s first telehealth exceptions for a DDAP-licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider. Prior to this, only SUD treatment facilities with a physical location in Pennsylvania could apply to DDAP for a license to also offer telehealth services. This new program does not require a physical location in order for a treatment provider to administer telehealth services.

Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine has published final-form rulemaking, which is effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, implementing Act 79 of 2021. This rulemaking modernizes physician assistant (PA) practice by removing certain restrictions and allowing for greater autonomy for PAs. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Board of Physical Therapy

The State Board of Physical Therapy has published final-form rulemaking regarding changes to the physical therapy examination process and continuing education requirements. Find the final rule in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has written an article about the increasing prevalence of Nitazines, a class of powerful synthetic opioids, and the Department of Health’s efforts to reschedule these drugs to limit access and allow prosecutors to charge suppliers.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an article about Pennsylvania’s late FY 2025-26 budget and what the immediate impact may be. CBS 21 has also published a piece of the status of the state budget.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-07-03T20:30:51+00:00July 3rd, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

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