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

Governor Shapiro

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

General Assembly

• State Representative Mark Rozzi (D) resigned as Speaker of the House on Tuesday.  Rozzi, who was unexpectedly elected Speaker on January 3, indicated that he accomplished what he set out to do.  The House then elected Representative Joanna McClinton (D) as Speaker by a vote of 102-99.  She will be the first woman to serve in the position.
• Following the election of Speaker McClinton, the House Democratic Caucus announced a new leadership team.  Representative Matt Bradford will serve as majority leader and Representative Jordan Harris will serve as chair of the Appropriations Committee.  The complete list of leadership members can be viewed here.
• The House and Senate are scheduled to be in session on Monday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 8.  On Tuesday, March 7 the two chambers will convene at 11:00 for a joint session to hear Governor Shapiro’s budget address.
• The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, February 28 and favorably reported Senate Bill 8, which requires insurers to cover costs associated with genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  It also requires insurers to cover all costs associated with a supplemental breast screening by MRI or ultrasound for women at increased risk of breast cancer pursuant to Act 52 of 2020.  The bill received second consideration on Wednesday, March 1.

Revenue Collection Update

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

Department of Human Services

• DHS has posted a notice explaining that a recent audit uncovered recipient date of death discrepancies and reminded providers that it is their responsibility to resubmit a correctly completed claim if they are due payment for services provided prior to the date of death.  Find the notice here.
• DHS has established a consumer-oriented “Medical Assistance and CHIP Renewals” web page.  Find it here.
• DHS has shared the presentations made during the February 23 meeting of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.
  • Office of Medical Assistance Programs presentation
  • Office of Long-Term Living presentation
  • Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presentation
  • Office of Developmental Programs presentation
• DHS has updated its Medicaid managed care organization directory.

Department of Health

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

COVID-19:  By the Numbers           

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

Stakeholder Events

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

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

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

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

Patient Safety Authority – Board Meeting – March 16

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

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

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

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 23

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

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

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