Pennsylvania safety-net hospitals Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for January 16

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from January 12 – January 16 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

General Assembly

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

Rep. Joe Webster introduced House Bill 2115 which creates antitrust review processes in healthcare transactions.
Rep. Greg Scott introduced HB 2134 to modernize the State Fire Commission Fire Company & EMS Grant Program
House Bill 2135, introduced by Rep. Morgan Cephas, would provide workplace protections and accommodations for menopause and perimenopause.
Sen. Nick Pisciottano introduced SB 1113, which would regulate the use of AI in healthcare.
Senate Bill 1133, sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry, would add two additional members to the State Board of Pharmacy – a pharmacy tech and an additional acute care institutional pharmacist.
Reps. Borowski, Friel, and Kutz have released a cosponsor memo to allow for companies to apply for a state pharmaceutical licensure concurrently with FDA approvals.

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 an MA Bulletin on Orthopedic footwear.

The Department released its proposed renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver for a 30 day public comment period. Proposed updates would change the lifetime limit on assistive technology to an annual limit, continue supports for competitive, integrated employment, and update Specialized Skill Development services.

Stakeholder Meetings

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

DHS has a scheduled Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting for Thurs. Jan. 22^nd at 10am.

DOH’s WIC State Advisory Board meeting will be held on Tues. Jan. 27^th from 1-2pm.

The Department of Health’s Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program Advisory Council will meet on Thurs. Jan. 29 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 Fri. February 6^th from 10am to 3pm.

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 Admin2026-01-16T22:13:12+00:00January 16th, 2026|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for November 14

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

Budget Update

After a stalemate lasting 135 days, the General Assembly has passed a comprehensive Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget. The state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 160 – the General Appropriations Act – by a vote of 156-47. Senate passed it by a vote of 40-9.

In total, the FY 2025-2026 budget spends $50.1 billion, which represents a $2.3 billion or 4.7 percent increase over the prior fiscal year. It is nearly $1.4 billion less than the budget proposed by Governor Shapiro in February. The budget is balanced primarily by utilizing prior-year funding lapses and special fund balances in state agencies totaling $3 billion. Using these funds in the 2025-26 budget prevented draining the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund, while leaving more than $200 million in the fund’s balance.

The budget includes a new Working Families Tax credit program. However, it does not include many of the spending initiatives highlighted in the governor’s proposal, such as additional mass transit funding, taxation for skill games, minimum wage increases, or legalization and taxation of recreational adult use cannabis. Also part of the deal includes the Commonwealth ending its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

In addition to the General Appropriations Bill, the General Assembly also passed code bills related to the budget and its enactment. House Bill 416 is an amended Fiscal Code which includes various instructions to help effectuate passage of the budget bill. House Bill 749 is an update to the Human Services Code which includes several policy provisions below:

Regulatory alignment with federal rules on MA reimbursement for behavioral health in telehealth settings – the “Four Walls” Requirement,
Requires DHS to report to the General Assembly on SNAP recipient data and lottery winnings, resources, and vehicles owned by public assistance recipients
Crosschecking MA and SNAP beneficiaries with data from DOH’s Vital Records system and wage records from the Department of Labor & Industry
Requires DHS to study the feasibility of a brokerage model for nonemergency Medical Transportation Services
Allows indefinite suspension of MA benefits for incarcerated individuals while incarcerated, among other provisions.

General Assembly

On Monday, November 17^th, the House Human Services Committee will hold an informational hearing on the federal SNAP changes in HR 1 and their impacts on Pennsylvania. The livestream link will be made available here.

The House Health Committee will meet on Tuesday Nov. 18^th to consider HB 1652 and HB 1715. Both bills would amend the Newborn Child Testing Act to update newborn screening requirements to include Gaucher Disease (HB 1652) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (HB 1715), respectively.

Department of Health

The Department issued a Health Alert Network notice urging providers’ awareness for Acute Flaccid Myelitis through late Fall.

DOH updated the residency criteria for the Chronic Renal Disease Program effective November 15, 2025.

Department of Human Services

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

The Department has announced it has restarted issuing full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments.

DHS shared a suicide prevention resource guide in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month.

The Department released a Medical Assistance Bulletin with revisions to the MA Fee Schedule and prior authorization requirements.

The Department issued an updated Preferred Drug List which will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

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

The Department released an updated Managed Care Directory.

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.

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

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 Admin2025-11-14T21:03:25+00:00November 14th, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget, Pennsylvania state budget issues|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for October 24

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from October 20- October 24 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Budget Update

Earlier this week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 160 (PN 1258) by party line vote in yet another volleying of a General Appropriations Act bill to the House. The Senate’s amendments to the bill reduced the overall spend number to $47.9 billion, down from the House’s last proposal of $50.25 billion.

The bill reflects a prior version (PN 529) of the budget bill but with increased appropriations for debt service payments and school employees’ pensions, while also reducing operating expense line items for the General Assembly. The Governor labeled the Senate’s most recent effort as “unserious.”

As the impasse continues, meaningful impacts to Pennsylvanians and providers are becoming more frequent. Absent budget enactment, Head Start providers are signaling closures, Westmoreland County plans to furlough workers soon, and Lancaster County intends to pause social services payments.

The House and Senate are both set to return on October 27^th.

General Assembly

Last week, the Senate was in session and passed by a margin of 49-1, Sen. Rosemary Brown’s SB 507, legislation to update and modernize midwifery services in Pennsylvania. The bill will be considered by the House Professional Licensure Committee on October 28^th.

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee voted in support of SB 69 offered by Sen. Langerholc by a party line vote. This bill would create a “Recovery-to-Work” pilot program.

Next week, on October 28^th, the House Health Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Department of Health’s Newborn Screening program.

On October 29^th, the House Human Services Committee will meet to consider Rep. Benham’s HB 1939, and House Bill 1974 by Rep. Venkat. HB 1939 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. 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 will meet on October 29^th to vote on 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).

On October 27^th, the Senate State Government Committee will consider SB 125, Sen. Dush’s proposed constitutional amendment to address change of judicial venues.

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

Marla Brown introduced HB 1962 which would cease state funding for any provider offering abortion services in PA.
HB 1965, introduced by Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, would allow EMS providers to perform community paramedicine services.
Paul Takac introduced HB 1980 which would require doctors to do an hour of medical nutrition continuing education every two years.
Mastriano introduced SB 1018 which would eliminate any mRNA vaccine mandates in Pennsylvania.
SB 1041 by Sen. Rosemary Brown would create the Complex Care Assistant Program, creating a certification program for family caregivers offering complex medical care to loved ones.
Senator Tartaglione introduced SB 1054 which would require the availability of opioid antagonists in Pennsylvania public schools.
Senator Collett has introduced SB 1055, companion legislation to HB 1881, which would expand 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.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services released September’s Physical Health Managed Care enrollment report.

Department of Health

In response to revised CMS guidance on conducting facility surveys during the federal shutdown, which will allow states to request approval from CMS to conduct revisit surveys, DOH notified providers that it will be reviewing outstanding surveys, their timelines, and the deficient practice(s) to request permission from CMS to perform revisit surveys that are necessary to prevent termination or the denial of payment for new admissions.

DOH updated the Resident Data Reporting Manual for long-term care facilities to reflect changes to use the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) for the Pennsylvania case mix payment system.

Stakeholder Meetings

On Nov. 7 from 10am to 3pm, the Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold their quarterly meeting to discuss the Department of Health’s Head Injury Program.

Federal Update

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

PA Safety Net Admin2025-10-24T19:20:42+00:00October 24th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy, 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 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 July 25

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

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

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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

Department of Human Services

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

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

Department of Health

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

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

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

Board of Dentistry

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

Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

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

Around the State

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

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

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

Stakeholder Meetings

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

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

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – August 7

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

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for June 13

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from June 9 – 13. (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 unanimously passed Senate Bill 95, which permits EMS providers to leave naloxone with a caregiver of a patient who overdosed. The bill also places certain disclosure requirements on pharmacies related to the retail and generic versions of prescribed medications. The bill was subsequently received in the House and referred to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1549, which increases the state’s minimum wages, by a party-line vote. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1460, which provides for more oversight of health care entity merger and acquisition activities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met on Wednesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bills 535 & 536, which amend the Osteopathic and Medical Practice Acts to enable genetic counselors to order genetic tests as appropriate.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, the following.
- Senate Bill 461, which seeks to improve testing and insurance coverage for Lyme disease testing.
- Senate Bill 715, which extends the Rare Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028.
- House Bill 27, which requires operating rooms to utilize surgical smoke evacuation systems.
- House Bill 640, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 and favorably reported House Bill 1100, which creates a grant program to provide eligible public-school entities with funding to acquire and distribute menstrual hygiene products, and House Bill 1590, which supports Pennsylvania’s implementation of a new federal Medicaid flexibility that waives the longstanding “four walls” requirement for outpatient behavioral health clinics. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 and favorably reported House Bill 1442, which places requirements on coroners to report Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and House Bill 1527, which extends the Rate Disease Advisory Council’s sunset date to 2028. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met on Tuesday, June 10 for an informational hearing on the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA) and financial exploitation of older adults. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The Legislative Budget & Finance Committee (LBFC) met on Wednesday, June 11 and released its report on the effect of home and community-based workforce shortages on commonwealth-supported Medicaid waiver programs. The full report is viewable here and highlights from the report are viewable here.

The state House of Representatives will reconvene in Harrisburg for voting on Monday, June 16. The Senate is recessed until Monday, June 23.

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.

DHS has issued a Medical Assistance Bulletin to inform providers about updates to the Statewide Preferred Drug List (PDL) related to glucose sticks made at the April 23 Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meeting. The PDL changes are effective July 7, 2025.

DHS has announced changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule. The department is adding and end-dating codes as a result of the 2025 updates published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). The changes are effective for dates of service on and after June 16, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has released a document with revisions to the participating drug companies list for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

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

DHS has issued a Remittance Advice Alert regarding action needed to continue submitting claims and eligibility requests electronically with PROMISe™.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has published notice of intent to issue a final notice to temporarily schedule any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the several Nitazene substances. This final notice to temporarily schedule will place this group of substances in Schedule I under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has published a budget brief highlighting Pennsylvania Medicaid enrollment and funding trends from FY 2018-19 through the administration’s proposal for FY 2025-26. It also provides projections of the impact for certain Medicaid provisions included in the federal reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Insurance Department

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has announced that the largest health insurers operating in the commonwealth are taking steps to expand coverage for medications used to treat postpartum depression and related maternal mental health conditions. Find additional information in this press release.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has shared an opportunity from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. The program offers up to $250,000 in student loan repayment for eligible professionals who commit to six years of full-time work providing direct SUD treatment or recovery support at an approved facility. The program is open to a range of providers, including medical, behavioral health, and peer support professionals. Applications are due July 10, 2025.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has published an article on the potential impact of the budget reconciliation bill being considered by the U.S. Congress on the state’s Medicaid program.

The Wall Street Journal has written an article about the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s efforts to enact legislation creating more scrutiny over health care entity transactions involving private equity.

LancasterOnline covered Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin’s comments about the state budget unpredictability created federal budget discussions.

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 Admin2025-06-13T19:46:49+00:00June 13th, 2025|Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid laws and regulations|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 30

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from May 26 – 30. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro joined Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger in Pittsburgh this week to discuss supporting Pennsylvania’s life science and innovation economy. Governor Shapiro highlighted his administration’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal to invest $50 million to support large-scale innovation and life science sector growth. Find additional information in this press release.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate were recessed this week. Both chambers are scheduled to return to Harrisburg on Monday, June 2. The following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity currently scheduled for next week.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will meet on Monday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building for a public hearing on House Bill 1310, which establishes a minimum budget adjust factor (BAF) floor at $0.90 for skilled nursing facilities. The meeting will be livestreamed here.

The House Health Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 523 of the Irvis Building to consider the following bills. The meeting will be livestreamed 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 will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 9:15 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Building to consider two suicide prevention related bills, House Bill 415 and House Bill 564. The meeting will be livestreamed here.

Department of Human Services

The Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OHMSAS) has issued a bulletin announcing it has revised the forms for voluntary and involuntary commitment evaluations and created a unified procedure for updating all forms utilized under the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) to ensure consistency statewide. The revised forms include the following.

MH 781 Consent for Voluntary Inpatient Treatment
MH 783 Application for Involuntary Emergency Examination and Treatment
MH 783A Explanation of Rights under Involuntary Emergency Treatment
MH 783B Explanation of Warrant
MH 785 Petition for Involuntary Treatment (Sections 304 and 305)
MH 788 Petition to Transfer for Persons in Involuntary Treatment (Section 306)

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has shared the following materials utilized at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting on May 22.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has given notice that the temporary scheduling of several Nitazene substances, compounds, and mixtures will expire on June 3, 2025. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced that it approved the State Board of Pharmacy’s final-form regulation that implements Act 140 of 2020, which establishes criteria for pharmacy technician training programs, as well as the standards of practice and registration fees for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees.

IRRC has also approved the State Board of Medicine’s final-form regulation effectuating Act 79 of 2021. The regulation provides for definitions, written agreement requirements, responsibilities of supervising physicians, countersignature requirements, and prohibitions on practice and prescribing by physician assistants. It also updates terminology and removes outdated provisions.

State Board of Psychology

The State Board of Psychology has published proposed rulemaking to update, revise, and clarify continuing education requirements for psychologists. Find the proposed rulemaking in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

Senate President Tempore Kim Ward’s (R-Westmoreland) comments about the state budget process and commitment to not raise taxes were the focus of an article by the Tribune-Review.

Spotlight PA has published an article about the current debate to legalize recreational cannabis and whether a deal will be reached by the June 30 budget deadline.

WHYY has written an article about a rally held by health care advocates in Pennsylvania to caution about the potential impact of certain Medicaid proposals included in the federal reconciliation bill that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Long-Term Services & Supports Subcommittee – June 4

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold its next public meeting on June 4 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Register to participate here.

Patient Safety Authority – June 17

PA Safety Net Admin2025-06-02T14:24:10+00:00May 30th, 2025|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for May 9

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. The following is an overview of selected legislative activity that occurred.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1200, which legalizes and regulates adult-use cannabis, by a party-line vote of 102 – 101. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 926, which seeks to prevent health care workplace violence by placing several requirements on health care facilities, by a vote of 124 – 79. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1117, which updates language defining DDAP’s duties and responsibilities. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 115, which requires the Department of Human Services to offer a skills competency exam in lieu of high school diploma or GED requirements for individuals seeking employment as direct care staff in personal care homes or assisted living residences. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, May 5 regarding updates to Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Monday, May 5 and favorably reported, among other bills, 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. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Tuesday, May 6 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 554, which authorizes the commonwealth to join the Social Work Licensure Compact.

The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 7 regarding hospital and health system sustainability in Pennsylvania. Testimony presented to the committee and a recording of the hearing are viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1269, which establishes a Brain Injury Advisory Board at the Department of Health (DOH). A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Insurance Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 and favorably reported House Bill 1088, which expands maternal blood pressure monitoring coverage, and House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, May 7 for an informational meeting on the Mental Health Procedures Act. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House of Representatives and the Senate will return to Harrisburg for voting session Monday, May 12 through Wednesday May 14.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it will hold a listening session on May 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. entitled, “Food is Medicine: Screening and Referral.” This is part of DHS’ Keystone of Health Section 1115 demonstration waiver initiative. The listening session is intended for representatives from health care and other settings that interact with consumers that may be eligible for Food is Medicine programs. Find additional information and register here.

DHS has issued Provider Quick Tip #207 with Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule updates for Act 62 of 2008, the Pennsylvania Autism Insurance Act, procedure codes.

Department of Aging

The Department of Aging has announced a 30-day public comment period on its updated Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF), which is used to distribute federal funding to the commonwealth’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging. Find additional information and details on how to comment in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Around the State

The House of Representatives’ passage of an adult-use cannabis legalization measure and its prospects in the Senate is the subject of an article published by Spotlight PA. Cannabis legalization and the revenue it would generate are a hallmark of Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal.

An article written by City & State Pennsylvania highlights the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee’s hearing on the financial health of hospitals.

Spotlight PA has published an article about security enhancements the Pennsylvania State Police will be making in response to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence last month.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – May 21

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – May 22

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on May 22 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-05-09T20:27:09+00:00May 9th, 2025|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid policy|Comments Off

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Next

SNAPShots

SNAPShots

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

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