Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission Archives

PA Health Policy Update for April 3

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

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Department of Human Services held a webinar for PA’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) this week where the Department shared details on Pennsylvania’s approach to dispersing and operationalizing the $193M RHTP funds awarded to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is soliciting nominations for interested parties to join RHTP Rural Care Collaboratives or the RHTP Advisory Council. Nominations can be submitted here and the deadline for nominations is Friday 4/10 at 5pm. Webinar slides and information on upcoming regional forums can be found here.

Maternal Health

The Shapiro Administration released PA’s Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan called, “Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures.” The plan was developed collaboratively across DHS, DOH, DDAP, Insurance Department, with feedback from the Black Maternal Health Caucus in the General Assembly, and stakeholders across 16 roundtables statewide.

General Assembly

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

Rep. Jason Ortitay introduced both House Bill 2341, which would provide grants to healthcare facilities to procure standardized threat and risk assessment platforms and House Bill 2342, which would provide consumer protections in the application for or switching of Medicare supplemental plans in PA.
Rep. Lisa Borowski introduced House Bill 2335 which would expand the scope of practice for certified nurse anesthetists.
Senate Bill 1206, introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, would provide for virtual manufacturer license for prescription drugs and medical devices.

The House will return to session the week of April 13^th and the Senate is scheduled to return the week of April 20^th.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS issued several Medical Assistance Bulletins for the following areas:

The Department shared their February 2026 HealthChoices Enrollment Report.

DHS published a bulletin notice of the availability of FY 26-27 Social Services Block Grant’s Intended Use Plan. The Department offered a 30-day public comment period.

The Department published final notice of its intent to allocate funding for Disproportionate Share and Supplemental Hospital payments at 55 Pa.B. 6643 (September 13, 2025).

Department of Health

The Department encouraged providers to complete the Respiratory Virus Dashboard survey. The purpose of this survey is to understand how healthcare personnel in Pennsylvania use the dashboard, what they would like to see in future iterations, and how the department can curate data and visualizations for you. Deadline for submission is April 10^th and any questions about the survey can be sent to Hannah Lund at hlund@pa.gov

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC has either approved or deemed approved the following regulatory packages:

State Board of Medicine # 16A-4960: Education and Volunteer Services
State Board of Osteopathic Medicine # 16A-5337: Education and Volunteer Services
State Board of Pharmacy # 16A-5434: Immunization Updates

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Renal Advisory Committee will hold their quarterly public meeting on April 17^th from 10am-Noon.

DOH’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program will hold a public teleconference on April 30^th from 10am to Noon.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-04-03T23:18:45+00:00April 3rd, 2026|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Rural Health Transformation Program|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 16 – March 20 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Both the House and Senate will be in session from Monday March 23rd through Wednesday March 25th.

This past week, the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee advanced SB 1211, legislation to include Medicaid Fee for Service coverage for biomarker testing.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee held a public hearing on Medication-Assisted Treatment and its utilization in PA.

Next week, the House Health Committee will meet twice. First, there will be a joint public hearing held along with the House Communications & Technology on Tuesday, the 24th, examining the role of AI in Healthcare. Second, the Committee will hold a voting meeting on the 25^th to consider several resolutions as well as House Bill 2265, which would require onsite, board-certified or board-eligible Emergency Physicians in all hospital emergency departments.

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

Paul Friel issued a cosponsor memo for legislation to compel the creation of regulations to allow direct primary care providers to submit referrals for individuals covered under HMO plans.
Senators Chris Gebhard and Kristin Phillips-Hill released a cosponsor memo for legislation to require Commonwealth agencies to perform a review and assessment of programs vulnerable to improper payments, as well as reports of improper payments data.
Melissa Shusterman introduced HB 2292which would create limitations on immigration enforcement operations in hospitals.
House Bill 2270, introduced by Rep. Rob Matzie, would require DHS to utilize a Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model in the Medicaid program.
Vince Hughes introduced SB 1175which would create the Innovate in PA Tax Credit program to help spur further investment in biotech and life sciences.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS issued April 2026 Remittance Mailing Date Advice.

DHS released an MA Bulletin for the enrollment of Community Health Workers in the MA Program.

Department of Health

DOH released updates to the 2026-2026 Nursing Home Patient Safety Trust Surcharge.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC issued comments on the proposed updates the Social Workers, Marriage/Family Therapists, & Professional Counselors Associate MFT and PC and Supervision regulations.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board released their schedule of board meetings for 2026 with the first upcoming on March 26^th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

DOH’s Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee will hold their public meeting on March 31^st from 9am-11am.

The Department of Health’s Renal Advisory Committee will hold their quarterly public meeting on April 17^th from 10am-Noon.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-03-20T19:39:21+00:00March 20th, 2026|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 27

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 23 – February 27 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Appropriations Committee hearings were held this week examining the Governor’s 26-27 Budget with executive agencies. Below are links to watch the relevant health & human services hearings that have been held so far along with a schedule for forthcoming hearings in the next two weeks.

Senate Hearing for the Department of Human Services Morning Session
Senate Hearing for the Department of Human Services Afternoon Session
House Hearing for the PA Insurance Department and Pennie®

Upcoming Hearings:

Department of Human Services: House – Mar. 4^th at 10am
Department of Aging: House – Mar. 10^th at 1pm
Governor’s Budget Office: Senate – Mar. 4^th at 1pm; House – Mar. 12^th at 10am
Department of Health and Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs: Mar. 12^th at 1pm

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

Rep. Tarik Khan introduced a co-sponsor memo for legislation allowing students to carry and self-administer pancreatic medications at school.
Sen. Michele Brooks introduced a co-sponsor memo for legislation to implement reforms around the 340B program.
Sens. Tracy Pennycuick and Nick Miller released a co-sponsor memo requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation for patients prior to cancer treatment.
Sen. Devlin Robinson issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to address the cost of topical medications in PA’s workers’ compensation system.
Sen. Maria Collett released a co-sponsor memo for legislation that would create benchmarks for healthcare cost growth to align with inflation.
Sens. Judy Ward and Maria Collett issued a co-sponsor memo for a resolution recognizing Rare Disease Day in PA.
Sen. Vince Hughes introduced, Senate Bill 1161, a General Fund Budget Bill for the 26-27 Fiscal Year
Rep. Kyle Mullins introduced House Bill 2173 to regulate and license medical imaging and radiation therapy.
Rep. Joe Webster released House Bill 2241 which would require broader medical price transparency

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS released its fee schedule rates for Personal Assistance Services in the OBRA Waiver and Act 150 Program.

The Department issued an MA Bulletin on Prior Authorization Guidelines for Blood Glucose Meters with Voice Synthesizer or Integrated Lancing Blood Sample.

DHS released its January 2026 HealthChoices Enrollment Report.

Department of Health

DOH released its list of hospitals that may not provide emergency contraception or sexual assault emergency services.

The Department issued notice of availability of its proposed Preventative Health and Human Services Block Grant Application to the US Department of Health & Human Services. A public hearing will be held on the application on June 10^th from 1:30-2:30pm. The Preventative Health & Human Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will also hold a public meeting on March 25^th from 1:30 to 2:30pm to discuss status of funding.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC scheduled public meetings for consideration of State Board of Medicine Education and Volunteer Services Regulations on March 19th.

The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists & Professional Counselors released proposed regulatory updates for 30 day public comment. This proposed rulemaking includes amendments relating to qualifications for licensure, supervisor qualifications, supervision of clinical experience, including the provision of supervision through electronic means, codes of ethics, professional corporations and fictitious names and continuing education. This proposed rulemaking is also necessary to comply with recently enacted laws.

Health Care Cost Containment Council

PHC4 issued notice of public meetings from March through May 2026.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow Up Technical Advisory Board will meet on March 3^rd from 10am to Noon.

The Department of Health’s WIC Advisory Board will hold their meeting rescheduled from January 26^th on March 5^th from 1pm to 2pm.

DOH’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Wednesday Mar. 18^th from 10am to Noon.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission will review proposed updates to the State Board of Pharmacy’s Final Immunization Regulation Updates at a public meeting on March 19^th at 10am.

DOH’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board released their schedule of board meetings for 2026 with the first upcoming on March 26^th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council released its 2026 Meeting Schedule.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-02-27T21:54:20+00:00February 27th, 2026|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2027 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 20

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 16 – February 20 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Senate and House Appropriations Committee Hearings relevant to healthcare and human services are underway this upcoming week with key hearings are as follows:

Insurance Department: House – Feb. 24^th at 10am
Department of Health & Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs: House – Feb. 24^th at 1pm
Department of Human Services: Senate – Feb. 25^th at 10am; House – Mar. 4^th at 10am
Department of Aging: House – Mar. 10^th at 1pm
Governor’s Budget Office: Senate – Mar. 4^th at 1pm; House – Mar. 12^th at 10am

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

Rep. Frank Burns released a co-sponsor memo for legislation requiring prescriptions for MA recipients to be filled by any pharmacist in good federal & state standing.
Rep. Bridget Kosierowski and Rep. Natalie Mihalek issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation allowing the coverage of medically-tailored meals prescribed for Medicaid recipients.
A co-sponsor memo circulated by Senators Lynda Schlegel Culver and Nick Pisciottano

would provide for legislation to regulate and license medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Sen. Doug Mastriano has issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to enhance EMS within PA by elevating the EMS Director position in DOH to a Deputy Secretary role, along with additional regulatory flexibilities and educational requirement changes.
PBM reforms highlighted in a co-sponsor memo released by Senators Wayne Langerholc, Judy Ward, and Pat Stefano would institute Attorney General reviews to the PBM contracting and adjudication process, allowing PBMs to appear in PA courts for legal cause of action, among other reforms expanding on the PBM reforms of Act 77 of 2024.
Rep. Emily Kinkead introduced House Bill 2226 which would ensure that all patient out of pocket costs like co-pays and other assistance are credited towards out-of-pocket cost limits of insurance plans.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS released 2026 Income Limits for presumptive eligibility of pregnant women in Medicaid.

The Department issued its March 2026 remittance advice as well as remittance advice for date of death recovery.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Commission will review proposed updates to the State Board of Pharmacy’s Final Immunization Regulation Updates at a public meeting on March 19^th at 10am.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening and Follow Up Technical Advisory Board will meet on March 3^rd from 10am to Noon.

DOH’s Medical marijuana Advisory Board released their schedule of board meetings for 2026 with the first upcoming on March 26^th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

The Department of Health’s WIC Advisory Board will hold their meeting rescheduled from January 26^th on March 5^th from 1pm to 2pm.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-02-20T21:51:13+00:00February 20th, 2026|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for February 6

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from February 2 – February 6 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

Governor Shapiro issued his fourth budget address before a joint session of the House and Senate this past Tuesday, sharing his priorities for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget. In total, the FY 2026-2027 budget proposes spending $53.26 billion, $2.7 billion more than the current fiscal year. The proposed budget, which exceeds anticipated revenues by $4.6 billion, represents a $2.72 billion, or a 5.4 percent, increase over the prior fiscal year. The budget is balanced primarily by utilizing $4.6 billion in Rainy Day Fund reserves, leaving approximately $3 billion in the fund’s balance. This budget does not include a broad-based tax increase but it once again proposes legalization and taxation of skill games and recreational adult use cannabis and raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

General Assembly

The House and Senate both were in session this week but will break from session until March 23^rd for the House and March 16^th for the Senate. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will begin their hearings to examine the Governor’s Budget Proposal. Key hearings are as follows:

Insurance Department: House – Feb. 24^th at 10am

Department of Health & Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs: House – Feb. 24^th at 1pm

Department of Human Services: Senate – Feb. 25^th at 10am; House – Mar. 4^th at 10am

Department of Aging: House – Mar. 10^th at 1pm

Governor’s Budget Office: Senate – Mar. 4^th at 1pm; House – Mar. 12^th at 10am

Dates for all five special elections to fill vacancies in the House have now been scheduled. House District 22 in Lehigh County & House District 42 in Allegheny County are scheduled for February 24^th. Elections for House District 79 in Blair County and House District 193 in Adams County will be held on March 17^th. Lastly, the special election for the vacancy in York County’s House District 196 will be on May 19^th to coincide with this year’s primary election.

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

Rep. Bridget Kosierowski and Rep. Jim Struzzi released a co-sponsor memo for legislation directing the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee (LBFC) to study the financial and administrative impacts of compliance with hospital regulations, and recommend action on any duplicative or outdated regulations currently in effect.
Rep. Joe Webster issued a co-sponsor memo soliciting support for legislation banning facility fees for outpatient services by healthcare providers and creating “site-neutral” payment caps.
In support of Gov. Shapiro’s Innovate PA 2.0 budget priority, Rep. Tim Briggs circulated a co-sponsor memo in the House for legislation to implement the program and Chairman Vince Hughes released a corresponding version in the Senate.
Sen. Michele Brooks has also released a co-sponsor memo directing the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee (LBFC) to study the burden of regulations on healthcare facilities and providers in PA.
Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and Sen. Frank Farry issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation to establish the Biobonds Innovation Fund, modeled after the federal “Loans for Biomedical Research Act.”
Reps. Emily Kinkead, Andrew Kuzma, Tarik Khan, Liz Hanbidge, and Darisha Parker have issued a co-sponsor memo for legislation prohibiting co-pay accumulator policies.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

DHS issued Medical Assistance prior authorization guidance for the following:

DHS’ Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued an MA Fee Schedule Bulletin announcing the addition of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services to the MA Fee Schedule.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

Independent Regulatory Review Commission issued comments to the DHS’ proposed Mental Health Procedures Regulations.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a public board meeting on Tues. Feb. 10^th at 1pm.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-02-10T21:33:52+00:00February 6th, 2026|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2027 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for January 9

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 5 – January 9 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing Schedules for the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee have been released in advance of the Governor’s forthcoming 2026-2027 Budget Proposal.

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

Rep. Joe Webster issued a cosponsor memo for legislation requiring price transparency for all medical offices and ensuring compliance with federal price transparency legislation for hospitals;
Chairman Dan Frankel released a cosponsor memo seeking increased transparency on the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Department of Aging

The Department is soliciting public comment on an evaluation of the PA Link and a strategic refresh plan. A listening session will be held on Jan. 27^th at 2pm.

Department of Health

The Department published a listing of laboratories authorized to perform blood lead analysis or erythrocyte protoporphyrin content analysis.

Department of Human Services

Check out DHS’ Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

The Department published final form regulations for Covered Outpatient Drugs effective as of Jan. 3^rd 2026.

DHS released a transcript of the December 4^th Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting.

The Department published annual notice of Inpatient Hospitals Qualifying for Medical Assistance Disproportionate Share Payments (DSH Payments).

DHS issued final notice of its $23 Million Supplemental Payments to Qualifying Hospitals funding allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 to establish a new class of supplemental payments to qualifying Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled general acute care hospitals to promote the availability of emergency department services to the MA population in an area of this Commonwealth with the highest number of MA beneficiaries.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC issued comments on DHS’ proposed Crisis Intervention Services Licensure Regulations.

The Commission also issued a Notice of Comments on the State Board of Optometry’s proposed Continuing Education Regulation changes.

The State Board of Social Work Examiners proposed rulemaking following (Act 4 of 2024) that directs the board to promulgate regulations to implement the amendments to the act, which provides for the licensure of Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health’s Renal Disease Advisory Committee will meet for its quarterly public meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DOH’s Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold public meetings on Jan. 21-Jan. 22 from 9am-3pm on both days.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thursday Jan. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 12p.m. The Council will offer guidance and recommendations to the Department on the program’s drug formulary, covered lab services, drug utilization review, clinical programs, eligibility and program management.

DOH’s Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, February 6^th 2026 from 10am to 3pm.

The Department of Health released its 2026 ABC-MAP Meeting Schedule.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2026-01-10T08:32:53+00:00January 9th, 2026|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for December 5

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 24 – December 5 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Shapiro Administration Staffing Changes

The Shapiro Administration announced a change in senior leadership with Budget Secretary Uri Monson leaving his post to serve as Executive Director at the PA Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The Governor has appointed Zach Reber, current Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Program Coordination in the Budget Office, to serve as the next Secretary of the Budget.

General Assembly

The Senate returns next week for three voting session days from December 8^th through the 10th. The House will return for non-voting session on December 15^th and voting session on the 16^th & 17^th.

On Monday, Dec. 15th at 1pm, the House Communications & Technology Committee is holding a public hearing on HB 1925, Rep. Arvind Venkat’s AI in Healthcare legislation.

Rep. Bryan Cutler released a cosponsor memo for Certificates of Merit in Healthcare liability claims.

Department of Health

DOH updated its respiratory virus outbreak toolkit with minor changes and issued a new FAQ about Fall 2025 respiratory viral illness guidance.

Department of Human Services

DHS is launching Human Services Helpers, on the Substack platform – a media platform for video, podcasts, etc. – that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities.

The Department issued Medical Assistance Bulletins on the following areas:

DHS released its October 2025 Managed Care Enrollment Report.

The Department issued revisions to its list of drug companies participating in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

DHS issued a notice of intent to update its Chapter 5100 Mental Health Procedures Regulations to align with Act 32 of 2022.

Independent Fiscal Office

The IFO released a report detailing its assessment of factors contributing to anticipated structural deficits for Pennsylvania’s budget.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

IRRC approved the final form covered outpatient drug regulations, which updated the payment methodology for pharmaceutical services, recognized the prescriptive and dispensing authority of certified registered nurse practitioners and midwives as well as made technical amendments to recognize advances in information technology.

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) released its 2024 Hospital Performance Report, which examines trends on mortality and readmissions, among other data points.

Stakeholder Meetings

The Patient Safety Authority will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. Find registration and details here.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-12-05T20:44:06+00:00December 5th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance|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 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 June 6

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 2 – 6. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

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 this week.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 411, which provides the ability for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create and utilize a stroke registry. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 704, which establishes the “Pennsylvania Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program.” The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 668, which authorizes Pennsylvania to join the National Counseling Compact. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives also passed House Bill 554, which authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 282, which authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish a medical assistance (i.e., Medicaid) reentry program for incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released and returning to the community. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met on Monday, June 2 for a public hearing on House Bill 1310, which establishes a minimum budget adjust factor (BAF) floor at $0.90 for skilled nursing facilities. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, June 3 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 583, which authorizes the state to enter the Social Work Licensure Compact, and Senate Bill 604, which authorizes the state to join the National Counseling Compact. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Tuesday, June 3 and favorably reported the following bills. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.
- House Bill 425, which establishes a J-1 visa waiver primary care physician grant program.
- House Bill 583, which requires the Department of Human Services to establish a benefit package for dental services for Medicaid.
- House Bill 1460, which provides for more oversight of health care entity merger and acquisition activities.

The House Human Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 4 and favorably reported two suicide prevention related bills, House Bill 415 and House Bill 564. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The state House and Senate will return to Harrisburg next Monday, June 9 through Wednesday, June 11 for voting session.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (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 medically tailored meals, will take place on June 16 at 1:00 p.m. Find additional information and registration details here.

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OHMSAS) has announced it will pause the implementation of OMHSAS-25-02 Voluntary and Involuntary Commitment Forms for 90 days in response to concerns raised by stakeholders. In addition to giving providers the opportunity to update electronic health records and print new forms, OMHSAS will use the time to continue to receive and respond to stakeholder questions and to schedule Q&A sessions.

DHS has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for organizations to provide community health worker services to reduce barriers to care for individuals living within the North Philadelphia Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ). The HEZ was established in 2017 and encompasses 15 zip codes in the region. Up to six selected organizations can receive up to $500,000 per year for two years to increase CHW capacity and deploy innovative care management programs within the HEZ. Applicants shall be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization or have an association with a national charitable organization. However, applicants may not be owned, operated, or controlled by a hospital, institution of higher education, or managed care organization (MCO). For more information, see the RFA here.

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

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has launched a public survey looking for feedback on and suggestions for improving women’s health care across the commonwealth. The 10-minute survey is open through July 7 and focuses on women’s preventive health care, like health screenings, birth control, pregnancy care and mental health services.

DOH has announced it will make copies of the proposed Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 available for public review. The department has also announced it will hold a virtual public hearing on June 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to receive public input on the block grant application. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced it received the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) regulation regarding the transition to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). IRRC will consider the regulation at its June 26 public meeting.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue has announced that Pennsylvania collected $3.2 billion in General Fund revenue in May, which was $66.3 million, or 2.0 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $42.7 billion, which is $262.5 million, or 0.6 percent, above estimate.

Around the State

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has published an article about an event Pennsylvania Democrats held on the Capitol steps in Harrisburg this week to caution against the potential impact of the budget reconciliation bill currently being considered in Congress.

An article published by City & State Pennsylvania has detailed the current home health workforce challenges and how Pennsylvania’s aging population may exacerbate those challenges.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has written an article about pharmacists’ call for additional regulation of pharmacy benefit managers amid increasing closures of pharmacies across the state.

Stakeholder Meetings

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 16

The Department of Aging has announced the Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, June 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Patient Safety Authority – June 17

The Patient Safety Authority has announced it will hold a meeting of the Authority’s board on Tuesday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Preventative Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee – June 17

The Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, June 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to present the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Workplan and budget information. Find additional details and information on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-06-06T21:10:26+00:00June 6th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

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