Pennsylvania Department of Health Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

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

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 October 3

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 29- October 3 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

As the state budget impasse continues on, with added pressure of a federal shutdown, this week the House positioned a budget bill, SB 160, into the House Appropriations Committee for future potential action. Additionally, the House amended HB 1331, Capital Debt Itemization legislation, with additional capital projects for future consideration.

General Assembly

Both the House and Senate will return for voting session beginning on Monday, October 6^th, the first time both chambers will be in voting session together since June. For the week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

On Monday, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold a voting meeting on Chairwoman Maureen Madden and Chairman Steve Mentzer’s HB 1894, legislation which would enhance educational efforts for the LIFE program during the Medicaid long-term care enrollment process. The committee will also consider HB 1528, Grandfamilies Assistance legislation to benefit grandparents raising grandchildren.

On Tuesday, the House Insurance Committee will meet to consider HB 1828 which would set into law the Governor’s recent actions requiring private insurance coverage of vaccines without cost-sharing that are FDA-approved and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Physicians (ACOP), or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) according to their immunization schedules. The committee will also consider HB 1123, updating the recommended age for insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45.

On Wednesday, the House Professional Licensure Committee will consider adding a pharmacy technician and a second acute care institutional pharmacist to the State Board of Pharmacy through HB 980. Also, the committee will also consider HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.

Below are some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

Rep. Marla Brown circulated a co-sponsor memo for legislation to remove staffing ratios for nursing homes in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Judy Ward released a co-sponsor memo on legislation to address lags in MA enrollment in long-term care.

Sen. Cris Dush filed SB 125 proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared an update for Community Service Support Provider fee-for-service rates for the start of the new federal fiscal year.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a health alert with recommendations for health care providers to take in preparation for the 2025-2026 Respiratory Season, including details on reporting requirements. The Department also updated its Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit, which gives recommendations to long-term care facilities on how to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, adenovirus, and more.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approved final regulations from the State Board of Nursing making additions to the continuing education requirements for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) and registered nurses (RN) in the areas of opioid prescriptions and organ donation.

Around the State

On Thursday, Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order at the Children’s Hospital at Philadelphia directing the Department of Health to develop a plan to preserve access for children in the Vaccines for Children program without cost sharing if future Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changes impact access, aligning vaccine guidance with American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), creating a website for vaccine information and guidance, ensuring insurance coverage without prior authorizations or cost sharing, among other points.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS will hold their scheduled MAAC meeting on October 23, 2025, at 10am. Prior Authorization Guideline briefing documents are linked here (downloaded as zip file) for review and public comments are due as indicated on each document.

DOH announced upcoming meetings of several of its advisory committees:

Organ Donation Advisory Committee – November 6

Renal Disease Advisory Committee – October 24

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program Advisory Council – October 23

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-03T21:07:51+00:00October 3rd, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Department of Health and COVID-19, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 26

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 22- 26 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

The state budget impasse continues to drag on. This week, the Senate was not in session but the House met for non-voting session. The Senate has scheduled a non-voting session day on October 3^rd and voting session on October 6^th through 8^th. As highlighted in this Penn Capital Star article, with transit funding handled through other means, counties and schools will become the pressure point as negotiations continue.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the creation of a $500 million loan fund for counties and Head Start providers as a bridge for funding through the budget stalemate.

General Assembly

The House will return for voting session beginning on Monday, September 29^th. For the House session week ahead, the following hearings and voting meetings are scheduled:

Monday, Sept. 29, 9:30am – The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will hold an informational meeting on the PA CareKit Program. The Department of Aging will offer testimony.
Monday, Sept. 29, 10:45am – House Human Services Committee will meet to consider HR 290, a resolution recognizing the month of September 2025 as “National Recovery Month” in Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10am – The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee will hold a voting meeting to consider HB 1530 which would create privacy and transparency requirements genetic data collected through direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, off-the-floor – The House Health Committee will hold a voting meeting on the following legislation:
HB 880 – Updating and closing loopholes within Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.
HR 271 – A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study regarding the indoor air quality for seniors and children in this Commonwealth.

Below is some health care-related legislation introduced or co-sponsorship memos circulated this week:

Arvind Venkat introduced HB 1881 which would guarantee that Pennsylvania pharmacists’ vaccination practice authority can be guided by recommendations from Pennsylvania’s health authorities that may be informed by our state’s professional medical societies.
Rich Irvin filed a co-sponsor memo which proposed transferring the pharmacy delivery model in Medical Assistance (MA) from Managed Care back to a Fee-For-Service model as a means to impact reimbursements for pharmacies.
Cris Dush filed a co-sponsor memo proposing a Constitutional Amendment giving the General Assembly the authority to establish laws on venues for civil litigation in the Commonwealth as a way to address venue shopping in malpractice cases.
Lynda Schlegel Culver filed a co-sponsor memo to provide MA coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) for critically ill infants up to one year of age who are admitted to an inpatient intensive care unit with a complex illness.
Senators Michele Brooks and Lisa Boscola filed a co-sponsor memo for a resolution urging Congress to provide Pennsylvania with any and all assistance to help comply with the recent federal changes following the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to providers related to “Date of Death Recovery” following a recent audit noting recipient date of death discrepancies where recipients were deceased prior to the dates of service being billed.

DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs issued guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID vaccinations.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued general immunization guidance to clinicians in response to last week’s federal ACIP meeting. The list clarifies organizations for doctors and families to consult on vaccine recommendations.

DOH issued a health alert to providers with guidance on when and how to exclude health care personnel from direct patient care when they are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms.

DOH reminded long-term care facility providers that the annual long-term care questionnaire is due by October 24. Facilities were contacted directly with instructions to complete the web-based questionnaire. Any questions should be directed to Aicha Hassane Noma at ahassaneno@pa.gov or email RA-dohbhssurveys@pa.gov.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has confirmed the private insurance companies operating in the Commonwealth will continue to cover all of the vaccines covered under ACIP’s 2024 recommendations.

Around the State

A group of statewide researchers have compiled a website which aims to track opioid settlement fund spending data in Pennsylvania, which is driven out primarily through counties.

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee

The following materials presented at the September 25^th meeting of the MAAC have been posted on the MAAC website:

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-26T19:05:37+00:00September 26th, 2025|Governments, Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 19

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

Budget Update

The state budget impasse continues, and the House and Senate did not meet in session in Harrisburg this week. Various potential budget bills are positioned to be passed within a few days of a deal being reached. This article from Spotlight PA offers insight on the issues that are still preventing a deal, even as the issue of transit funding was taken out of the mix when the governor released funding to SEPTA and other regional authorities last week. The caucuses continue to disagree on issues including the overall spending amount, welfare program reforms, school choice, and education funding.

The Senate stands in recess to the call of the President Pro Tempore and the House will return for non-voting scheduled session on Monday, September 22.

General Assembly

Although legislators are not present at the Capitol, they have circulated a number of health care-related co-sponsorship memos this week:

Senator Michele Brooks (R), chairwoman of the House Human Services committee, issued a co-sponsorship memo about her intent to introduce a series of bills designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s eligibility for new federal funding streams under the Rural Health Transformation Fund that was designed in the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 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.
House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee Chairs Maureen Madden (D) and Steve Mentzer (R) have circulated a co-sponsorship memo to introduce legislation intended to help ensure Pennsylvanians are fully informed of the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) as an available long-term care option.
Senator Tim Kearney (D) circulated a memo announcing his plan to introduce a bill to create an all-payer claims database in Pennsylvania. This was an initiative in the governor’s budget proposal, which sought to allocate $4 million for the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) to develop that tool.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is accepting applications for funding under the Local Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) Supports grant program. HVIPs are multidisciplinary programs that connect violently injured patients with trauma-informed care and long-term community supports that start at the emergency department or at the hospital bedside. Local governments should apply for this funding in collaboration with a designated provider, nonprofit organization, or institution of higher education. View the full notice of funding here. Applications are due October 30.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a Provider Quick Tip to notify providers that the commonwealth’s Sterilization Consent Form (MA 31) will be issued soon with updates to reflect changes to the federal Consent for Sterilization Form (HHS-687). Stay tuned to this health policy update for an announcement of the updated form when it is released.

DHS has updated its calendar of Remittance Advice mailing dates to include October dates.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) added new training material to the Project Firstline training portal, which offers free on-demand training on infection prevention and control for all frontline workers in Pennsylvania. The new training is tailored for environmental services staff and discusses the importance of hand hygiene and the critical moments when hand hygiene matters most for these staff members. See this and more trainings and posters on the Project Firstline webpage and request free training materials through this form.

DOH issued the new income eligibility guidelines that will be used in the Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP) effective on October 1, 2025 for new enrollees and on the next date of renewal for any current program participants. The SPBP provides FDA-approved medications to low-income individuals living with HIV who are uninsured or have limited health care coverage. The department explained that due to the recent unprecedented increase in both program enrollment and the overall cost of medications, it is necessary for SPBP to lower the income limits as a measure to sustain the long-term viability of SPBP. Individuals that lose SPBP eligibility are encouraged to explore options on Pennie.

Around the State

Pennsylvania has joined a consortium of northeast states to make collaborative decisions about vaccination guidance and emergency response, in the wake of changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine approval process. See details in this article by the Pennsylvania Capital Star.
Several PA publications, including WHYY, raised the alarm this week about how 2026 costs could increase for Pennsylvanians who get their insurance coverage in the ACA marketplace unless Congress acts to expand enhanced federal tax credits. The PA Insurance Department reported that statewide average premium costs could increase by about 19 percent. The Kaiser Family Foundation has created a cost estimator tool for individuals to get personalized estimates of their costs with and without the tax credits.

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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-22T14:10:02+00:00September 19th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 5

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from September 1 – 5 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state and federal documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week. Governor Shapiro sent a compromise budget proposal to Senate Republican leadership last week, but they have yet to take any action. The Senate is scheduled to return to session next week on September 8, but that date could be pushed back if an agreement is not ready.

The House stands adjourned until September 22.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) issued interpretative guidance to clarify staffing regulations for hospitals, allowing for flexible physician coverage models while maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance. It focuses on on-site, on-call, and telemedicine-based physician coverage requirements. Review the full document here.

Department of State

The State Board of Pharmacy met this week and voted to approve four new entities as “competent authorities” to issue guidelines for licensed pharmacists under 49 PA Code § 27.403 on the use of injectable immunizations. This action was taken in anticipation of changes from the Centers for Disease Control’s upcoming vaccine committee meeting and will permit pharmacists to continue providing COVID-19 vaccinations, which had been paused by some providers. Find a news release about the voting meeting here.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) updated its list of Remittance Advices with an updated participating drug company list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Find the updated list here.

The Offices of Long-Term Living and Medical Assistance Programs issued a Medical Assistance bulletin alerting providers that it will begin issuing electronic visit verification (EVV) alerts to providers whose EVV manual entry percentages exceed 15 percent for the previous quarter. These alerts will be sent directly by DHS for fee-for-service claims and the department will transmit a list of noncompliant providers to the appropriate managed care organizations for awareness and follow up.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a State Health Official (SHO) Letter jointly developed by CMS and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This SHO provides guidance to states on the best practices for implementing the continuum of crisis services. It describes specific Medicaid and CHIP authorities and flexibilities to support the full continuum of crisis response services and suggests strategies for measuring and monitoring crisis response services.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 released a new interactive map displaying access to care in different counties, called MAPPED 2. This resource includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and nursing homes. It was designed to help patients, legislators, and health care providers learn more about the health care landscape of Pennsylvania.

Around the State

A Philadelphia judge has directed SEPTA to immediately reverse all service cuts imposed last month. WHYY reports on the decision in this article.
The Penn Capital Star reported on the state pharmacy board’s decision this week to permit additional professional organizations to issue guidance for immunizations.
An article from the Altoona Mirror details the financial strain and difficult decisions that are facing county providers and non-profits now that the state budget is two months late.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Conference – September 17

This quarterly meeting is jointly hosted by The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). It aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. The meeting is held virtually from 10am to 3pm. For details and registration, click here.

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series – September 18

Jointly hosted by OMHSAS and ODP, this presentation will review the clinical clues for identifying the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, suggestions for screening, current research, and statistics. The meeting is held virtually from 9am to 12:30pm. Click here to register.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-09-05T19:11:23+00:00September 5th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 22

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 18 – 22. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

There was no legislative activity surrounding the state budget this week, with both houses in recess, but officials continue their informal negotiations. The budget impasse is expected to extend into mid-September.

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) added a new PROMISe Banner page with information on a New Batch EDI Translator effective September 2025. For additional information see the EDI as a Service FAQ here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health alerted providers and public health officials about a late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases that is expected to peak in September. Find information on how to handle this sharp increase in cases in this health alert.

The Department of Health alerted Pennsylvanians that an individual from another state who was contagious with measles visited multiple locations across the state, creating a potential for exposure to others in this health alert.

Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (PHC4)

PHC4 publicly released new County-Level Condition-Specific and County-Level Utilization reports today, giving insight into ambulatory/outpatient usage and hospitalization rates of high interest conditions, using the most recent data available.

Around the State

The Altoona Mirror reported on the efforts of PA legislators to introduce the state’s own Medicaid work requirements in response to the federal requirements passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Counties and providers of human services explain how they are bracing for the protracted state budget standoff in this article from the Pennsylvania Capital Star.

City + State profiled State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in this article after she announced her candidacy for governor in 2026.

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that an agreement has been finalized that ensures free access to personal medical records for thousands of patients — including Medicaid patients — formerly treated at Crozer Health hospitals.

Stakeholder Meetings

HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – September 10

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Community Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting (in-person and virtually) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For registration information click here.

PHC4 Committee Meetings – August – September

The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) announced the following meetings

Education Committee meeting (August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Council meeting (September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.)
Payment Data Advisory Group meeting (September 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.)

Individuals who wish to participate may contact rgreenawalt@phc4.org at least 24 hours in advance.

MAAC – July Meeting Materials

The Department of Human Services (DHS) published the meeting materials from the July meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC):

Meeting Minutes
Office of Long-Term Living presentation
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presentation

PA Safety Net Admin2025-08-23T01:22:42+00:00August 22nd, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from August 4 – August 15. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

While there has been considerable activity surrounding the state budget impasse, the passage of budget and mass transit legislation remains largely about political positioning rather than tangible progress toward a final budget for this fiscal year. It appears likely the budget impasse will extend into September.

The House stands adjourned until September 22 and the Senate until September 8.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is taking steps to inform the commonwealth’s Rural Health Transformation Plan that will be required for submission to the federal government to receive an award of rural health funds that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. DHS is seeking feedback in the following areas as well as any ideas that help improve access in rural communities:

maternal health
mental and behavioral health
aging and access
transportation and EMS
rural healthcare workforce

Respondents should use this online form to submit feedback by August 29.

DHS has updated a guidance document for providers participating in the DHS Breast & Cervical Cancer Prevention & Treatment Program.

DHS’s calendar of Remittance Advice Dates has been updated to include September 2025.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) is looking for feedback on the development and implementation of a virtual and/or hybrid skills assessment examination process for nurse aides entering the long-term care sector in Pennsylvania. DOH is interested in learning about existing models, technologies, operational logistics, training and credentialing frameworks, and regulatory considerations that support successful and scalable virtual nurse aide skills examination solutions. For more information and instructions for how to submit a response to this RFI here.

Around the State

Broad + Liberty discusses the impact of private equity and health care bankruptcies on patient access to care in this article related to the closure of Crozer-Chester hospitals in southeast Pennsylvania.

Spotlight PA in this article highlighted how the legislative action from this past week has only deepened the budget impasse in Harrisburg.

PennLive reported on the Pennsylvania hospitals that were recently included in the U.S. World News & Reports list of best hospitals in the country.

Stakeholder Meetings

OMHSAS – Certified Recovery Specialist Feedback Sessions (Sept-Oct)

The DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is hosting six stakeholder sessions to gather feedback on Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) services within the Medicaid program. The intended audience includes county mental health providers, CRS, and CRS supervisors. Click here for registration information.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-08-15T20:00:26+00:00August 15th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Rural Health, Pennsylvania state budget issues|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

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

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

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

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