Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania Archives - Safety-Net Association of Pennsylvania

PA Health Policy Update for November 21

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from November 17 – November 21 (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Shapiro Administration released its application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program dollars. The application highlights focuses on several initiative areas to drive federal investment, if awarded:

Technology & Infrastructure
Workforce
Maternal Health
Behavioral Health
Aging & Access
EMS & Transportation

Awarded investments will be coordinated through Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) organizations, already existing regional economic collaboratives, and coordination with locally created Rural Care Collaboratives steered by regional stakeholders and healthcare leaders. CMS has indicated it will decide awards by December 31, 2025.

General Assembly

In the wake of budget passage, the General Assembly will return for a few more session days before the end of the year. The Senate will return for three voting session days beginning on December 8^th. The House will return for a non-voting session on December 15^th and voting session on the 16^th & 17^th.

Earlier this week, the House Human Services Committee held an informational hearing on the federal SNAP changes in HR 1 and their impacts on Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday Nov. 18^th, the House Health Committee voted unanimously to advance HB 1652 and HB 1715. Both bills amend the Newborn Child Testing Act to include Gaucher Disease (HB 1652) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (HB 1715) in PA’s newborn screening requirements. Both bills move to the full House for consideration.

The House unanimously passed HB 1894, legislation which would require the Independent Enrollment Broker to enhance the counseling provided to individuals on the LIFE program during the MA long term care enrollment process. This legislation now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

The House passed SB 88 by a margin of 196-7. This legislation updates insurance coverage requirements for breast cancer screenings and is now awaiting signature by the Governor.

The Senate Health & Human Services met on Tuesday and voted in support of SB 1095, which changes references from global budgets to alternative payment models in laws relating to the Rural Health Redesign Center Authority.

Below is a list of health and human services related legislation introduced or cosponsor memos released:

HB 2041, sponsored by Rep. Shelby Labs, would update blood lead testing requirements for children.
Rep. Danilo Burgos introduced HB 2050, which would prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning and operating pharmacies.
House Bill 2051, sponsored by Rep. Seth Grove, would impose a state False Claims Act in the MA program.
Rep. Burgos also introduced HB 2060, which would ensure prescribing parity between non-opioid and opioid pain medications in the MA program.

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:

The Department released updates to the School Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook.

State Board of Medicine

The State Board of Medicine released proposed regulations on continuing education and volunteer services.

Stakeholder Meetings

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 Admin2025-11-21T19:18:40+00:00November 21st, 2025|Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Rural Health, Rural Health Transformation Program|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for September 26

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

Budget Update

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

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

General Assembly

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

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

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

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

Department of Human Services

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

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

Department of Health

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

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

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

Insurance Department

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

Around the State

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

Stakeholder Meetings

Medical Assistance Advisory Committee

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for July 11

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

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

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed the following bills into law this week.

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

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

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

General Assembly

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

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

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

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

Department of Human Services

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

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

Department of Community & Economic Development

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

Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC)

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

Around the State

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

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

Stakeholder Meetings

DOH – HIV Planning Group – July 16-17

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

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – July 22

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

DOH – Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee – August 7

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for July 3

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

Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Update

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

Governor Shapiro

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

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

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

General Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Human Services

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

DHS has issued an updated Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Directory.

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

Department of Health

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

Revenue Collection Update

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

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

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

Board of Medicine

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

Board of Physical Therapy

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

Around the State

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

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

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

PA Health Policy Update for February 14

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

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro has announced his administration filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s freeze of federal funding. Despite court orders to release the federal funds and the Shapiro administration’s engagement with Pennsylvania’s federal representatives, state agencies remain unable to access $1.2 billion in federal funding, with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies before it can be received. Find the full complaint here.

The Shapiro administration has published its semi-annual agenda of regulations under development or consideration across the various state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction, including the Departments of Health and Human Services. Find the comprehensive regulatory agenda in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will begin hearings on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal next week. The House Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here and the Senate Appropriations Committee’s full hearing schedule is viewable here.

Following are the health-related agency budget hearings scheduled for next week.

The Department of Health will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building.

The Department of Health and the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs will appear before the House Appropriations Committee on Friday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. on the House floor. The hearing will be livestreamed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 784) with guidance on Influenza A subtyping for hospitalized patients.

Independent Fiscal Office

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has announced that it updated the commonwealth’s budget deficit projections based on new spending data, largely for the Department of Human Services, included in Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 Executive Budget. The revised deficit projection for FY 2025-26 is $6.0 billion under current laws and policies. Find the full report here.

Around the State

Spotlight PA has written an article about a study commissioned by the state’s Insurance Department that found health insurers’ provider directories commonly had errors that went uncorrected for extended periods of time.

New Castle News has published an article about the proposed investments in hospitals included in Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal.

Writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Harold Brubaker has continued to cover challenges related to the bankruptcy of Prospect Medical Holdings, the parent company of Crozer Health in Delaware County.

WESA has published an article about a federal judge’s decision to temporarily halt proposed funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that could have a detrimental impact on the state’s life sciences sector.

Stakeholder Meetings

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – February 26

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 26 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – February 27

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on February 27 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for additional information.

DOH – HIV Planning Group – March 12

The Statewide HIV Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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.

PA Safety Net Admin2025-02-14T20:58:44+00:00February 14th, 2025|Federal Medicaid issues, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania proposed FY 2026 budget|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for August 16

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

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives’ Democratic Policy Committee met on Tuesday, August 13 for an informational hearing on expanding abortion access. The agenda and testimony are viewable here. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate are recessed until Monday, September 23 and Monday, September 16, respectively.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a reminder for long-term care facilities to report COVID-19 outbreaks to their respective local health jurisdiction. Only an initial report of a new outbreak, occurring greater than 14 days following the detection of the most recent case, should be made. A summary of COVID-19 data reporting is included under the Reporting Requirements and Recommendations section of the COVID-19 LTC Toolkit.

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced it is conducting an assessment, in partnership with the Department of Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. They are working together to expand existing xylazine-associated wound care training currently offered to health care and non-health care professionals across Pennsylvania. The assessment is being conducted to ensure the trainings meet the needs of individuals and organizations who serve people who use drugs. Stakeholders who are interested are asked to complete the assessment by August 30, 2024.

DDAP has announced it is offering the opportunity for public comment on the Pennsylvania Substance Use Prevention Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) Block Grant application submission. The documents are accessible for review here. The login is “citizenpa” and the password is “citizen”

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has announced it received final form regulations from the Department of Human Services regarding psychiatric rehabilitation services. These regulations allow individuals who are 14 years of age or older but under 18 years of age who meet the admission requirements to access psychiatric rehabilitation services (PRS) and amends the diagnoses that allow an individual to access PRS without use of the exception process. The commission will be considering the regulations on September 19, 2024. Find the final form regulations here.

IRRC has also announced it received final form regulations from the State Board of Medicine that provide for licensure by endorsement for applicants from other states, territories, and countries. The commission will be considering the regulations on September 19, 2024. Find the final form regulations here.

Around the State

Stephen Caruso has written an article for Spotlight PA about the Independent Fiscal Office’s warning that Pennsylvania may deplete its General Fund surplus by the next fiscal year due to “expected spending, in-progress tax cuts, and revenue projections.”

Harold Brubaker has written an article for the Philadelphia Inquirer about Penn Medicine’s signing of a definitive agreement with Doylestown Hospital to become the health system’s seventh hospital.

PoliticsPA has published an overview of the most recent Franklin & Marshall College survey. The poll has Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by three points in Pennsylvania; although, the margin does fall within the poll’s 3.8 percent margin of error. The poll also has Senator Casey leading his challenger, David McCormick.

Crozer Health’s announcement that it will shutter operating room services at Taylor hospital by September 1 was covered by WHYY.

Stakeholder Events

DOH – WIC State Advisory Board – August 21

The WIC State Advisory Board, which was established by Senate Bill 721 (Act 22 of 2024), will hold its first regular meeting on August 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details, as well as a schedule of its remaining meetings through January 2026 here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – August 29

The statewide Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Planning Group will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional information and registration details here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-08-16T21:10:19+00:00August 16th, 2024|Governments, Meetings and notices|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for June 14

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

Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro signed, among other bills, Senate Bill 721 into law this week. Senate Bill 721, now known as Act 22 of 2024, establishes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) State Advisory Board. Find additional information in this press release.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate convened for voting session this week. Following is an overview of selected health care-related legislative activity that occurred.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1754, which requires public and private insurers to cover biomarker testing. The bill was subsequently sent to the Senate and reported favorably from the Banking & Insurance Committee.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1783, which requires the Department of Health to develop and publish educational material about opioid-related overdose and requires the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs to establish a grant program from the development, expansion, or improvement of recovery support services. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2127, which allows clinicians to distribute information related to postpartum depression and counseling resources. It also requires the Department of Health to publish those resources on its website. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1021, which prohibits insurers from discriminating against individuals because they have an opioid reversal agent in their prescription profile. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational hearing on Senate Bill 840 and House Bill 2400, which both create an Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders division within the Department of Aging and establish an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Children & Youth Committee met on Tuesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2175, which creates a permanent Office of Child Advocate. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, June 11 and favorably reported House Bill 1140, which expands access to contraceptives, and House Bill 2268, which provides coverage for speech therapy for stuttering. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, June 11 and favorably reported Senate Bill 965, which provides Medicaid coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing under certain conditions, and Senate Bill 1080, which allows licensed practical nurses to make death pronouncements in the hospice setting. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, June 11 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1664, which prohibits insurers from restricting their method of payment to solely credit card, and House Bill 1754, which requires public and private insurers to cover biomarker testing. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee met on Wednesday, June 12 and favorably reported, among other bills, Senate Bill 1251, which aligns Pennsylvania’s nursing statute with federal rules regarding accreditation. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee and the Senate Aging & Youth Committee held a combined hearing on Wednesday, June 12 regarding the status of the state’s Aging Our Way plan. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, June 12 and favorably reported the following bills.
- House Bill 1993, which seeks to reform certain practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have an adverse effect on pharmacies and patients,
- House Bill 2339, which establishes hospital price transparency reporting and disclosure requirements. The bill also stipulates penalties for noncompliance.
- House Bill 2363, which expands the existing Cancer Drug Repository Program to allow both health care facilities and individuals to donate prescription drugs (other than cancer drugs) to the program.

A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Human Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 12 and favorably reported House Bill 2403, which updates annual reporting requirements for the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP). A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, June 12 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2198, which caps the fees for obtaining electronic medical records. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee met for a voting meeting on Wednesday, June 12 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2400, which creates an Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders division within the Department of Aging and establishes an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will be in recess next week. Both chambers are scheduled to return to Harrisburg, Monday June 24.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced it is making available for public review and comment the Office of Long-Term Living’s proposed amendment for the OBRA waiver. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has also announced it is making available for public comment and review the Office of Long-Term Living’s proposed renewal for the Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 753) regarding testing for influenza in persons with severe respiratory illness given the potential for severe human infections with influenza A(H5N1) viruses and the recent spread into dairy cattle.

Stakeholder Events

Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board – June 17

The Department of Aging’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find additional details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-06-14T21:14:14+00:00June 14th, 2024|Governments, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid, Uncategorized|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for April 19

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

General Assembly

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

The House passed House Bill 1633, which prohibits non-compete agreements for health care practitioners and establishes certain notification requirements, by a vote of 150-50. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The House Professional Licensure Committee met on Monday, April 15 and favorably reported House Bill 2200, which makes certain changes to Pennsylvania statute that will enable the state to join, among others, the medical and nursing interstate licensure compacts. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Children and Youth Committee met on Tuesday, April 16 and favorably reported House Bill 1059, which updates the definition of sexual abuse or exploitation in the Child Protective Services law, and House Bill 321, which establishes an implementation deadline for the Department of Human Services’ enterprise case management system. A recording of the hearing is viewable here.

The House Health Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 1608, which extends Medicaid coverage to doula services and creates a doula advisory board, and House Bill 2097, which provides Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday, April 17 and favorably reported, among other bills, House Bill 2012, which establishes a state antitrust statute and expands notification requirements for health care facilities when there is a merger, acquisition, etc. A recording of the meeting is viewable here.

The House Democratic Policy Committee held a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 16 examining maternal health deserts. Find the agenda and testimony presented to the committee here.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held an informational meeting on Monday, April 15 examining pharmacy deserts. Find a recording of meeting and testimony presented to the committee here.

The state House of Representatives and the Senate are in recess until Monday, April 29.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 745) with information regarding recent increases in reported congenital syphilis. The department is recommending that pregnant individuals be offered a test for Syphilis at the first prenatal visit, at the third trimester of pregnancy, and at delivery.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin with the 2024 recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule.

DHS has published a Medical Assistance Bulletin to advise providers that the department will begin paying for ground ambulance mileage for each loaded mile in addition to increasing the fees for certain ambulance services on the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule, effective with dates of service on or after January 1, 2024.

DHS has published the minutes of the March 28, 2024 Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting.

DHS has updated its calendar of mailing dates for Remittance Advices and corresponding electronic transfers and checks through May 2024. Find the updated calendar here.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – April 24

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 24 at 1:00 p.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – April 25

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. Find the agenda here and register to participate here.

DOH – HIV Community Prevention Planning Committee – May 1

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2, 2024. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Organ Donation Advisory Committee – May 2

The Organ Donation Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually and in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – Brain Injury Advisory Board – May 3

The Brain Injury Advisory Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person. Find additional details in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-04-19T20:14:21+00:00April 19th, 2024|Medical Assistance Advisory Committee, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin, Pennsylvania Medicaid|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for March 15

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from March 11 – 15. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents).

Governor Shapiro

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for a voting session next week. Following is a selection of health care policy-related legislative activity currently scheduled.

The House Professional Licensure Committee will hold an informational hearing on Monday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss House Bill 1354, which enables boards and commissions within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to issue advisory opinions to licensees. The meeting will be held in Room 515 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.

The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care and Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at 9:00 a.m. regarding the criminal justice implications of adult-use cannabis legalization. The meeting will take place in Room G50 of the Irvis Office building. It will also be livestreamed here.

The House Children & Youth Committee will hold an informational meeting on the Office of the Child Advocate. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing. It will also be livestreamed here.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory regarding elevated levels of lead in certain ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores. Prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. Find additional information here.

DOH also issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 740) to make clinicians aware of updated recommendations for prenatal hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing. These infectious conditions can lead to profound consequences for pregnant individuals and their infants. Hepatitis B and C testing and linkage to care in pregnancy is critical to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Pennsylvania.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the extension of an alternative payment methodology for services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including FQHC look-alikes in Philadelphia, that serve a high volume of Medicaid beneficiaries. The alternative payment methodology will be extended through March 31, 2029. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Insurance Department

The Insurance Department has announced it will hold a public informational hearing regarding Highmark Health’s request to modify the department’s 2013 order and terms approving the merger of Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health. Find additional information, including details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

DHS has reported that it has contacted individuals that had their Medicaid coverage restored due to issues with the commonwealth’s ex parte redetermination process about how to use their retroactive coverage to have providers resubmit bills and reimburse any out-of-pocket costs that were paid in error during this time.

DHS is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

- Options Available for Coverage through Pennie or CHIP
- Communications and Contacts Cheat Sheet

Stakeholder Events

DHS – Consumer Sub-MAAC – March 27

The Consumer Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Register to participate here.

DHS – Medical Assistance Advisory Committee – March 28

The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) will hold a public meeting on March 28 at 10:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

PA Safety Net Admin2024-03-15T21:29:51+00:00March 15th, 2024|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

PA Health Policy Update for December 8

The following is an update of selected state health policy developments in Pennsylvania from December 4 – 8. (Some of the language used below is taken directly from state documents.)

Governor Shapiro

In October, the Shapiro administration established the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council through Executive Order 2023-20. As the administration and Council begin their work, they have asked interested stakeholders to complete a brief survey to share their insights. The survey will remain open until December 14, 2023.

General Assembly

The state House of Representatives and Senate will convene for session next week. Following are selected health care-related legislative proceedings currently scheduled.

The House Health Committee will meet on Monday, December 11 at the call of the chair to consider Senate Bill 683, which requires drug screening for fentanyl and xylazine, if a drug screening is conducted in a general acute care hospital to assist in diagnosing a patient’s condition.
The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care will convene on Wednesday, December 13 at 9:00 a.m. in Room G-50 of the Irvis Office Building for an information meeting on the “cannabis regulatory landscape.”
The House Human Services Committee will convene on Monday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 60 of the East Wing to consider Senate Bill 941, which enables certain flexibilities for addiction treatment providers.

Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the opening of a public comment period on its proposed 1115 waiver application – Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania. The public comment period will take place from December 2, 2023 through January 2, 2024. During this period, interested stakeholders can review the draft waiver application and provide comments online, in writing via mail, during multiple advisory and stakeholder meetings, or through three upcoming virtual forums. Those details can be found here.

DHS has announced the addition of a procedure code to the Medical Assistance (MA) program fee schedule for the administration of an influenza vaccine. The effective date and MA fee are indicated in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced the addition of the following procedure codes to the MA program fee schedule for the administration of bivalent doses of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. and Moderna, Inc. Find additional information in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DHS has announced it will require prior authorization of all prescriptions for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products that are designated as preferred on the Statewide PDL. These prior authorization requirements apply to prescriptions dispensed on or after January 8, 2024.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Advisory (PA-HAN 728) notifying health care providers of an increase in mycoplasma pneumoniae activity internationally and in some U.S. jurisdictions.

DOH has published guidelines and fees that a health care provider or facility may charge in response to a request for production of medical charts or records. The guidelines and fees, which can be found in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice, are effective January 1, 2024.

Revenue Collection Update

The Department of Revenue announced Pennsylvania collected $3.1 billion in General Fund revenue in November, which was $46.4 million, or 1.5 percent, more than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $16.1 billion, which is $1.1 million below estimate.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding

DHS is maintaining an online dashboard with Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding data. The data on this dashboard tracks the renewal process by county and zip code. Additional updates and resources about the Medicaid eligibility renewal process may be found here.

DHS has published the following resources to help providers educate patients about Medicaid renewals and what to do if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

Stakeholder Events

DHS – 1115 Waiver Public Forums – December 11, 12, and 15

DHS will hold a series of public forums for the public to ask questions and submit comments related to the Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health for Pennsylvania. Following is the schedule of forums.

Monday, December 11 at 12:00 p.m. Register to participate here.
Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. Register to participate here.
Friday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. Register to participate here.

Board of Nursing – December 11

The State Board of Nursing will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, December 11. Find the agenda and details on how to participate in the meeting here.

Pharmaceutical Assistance Board – December 18

The Department of Aging Pharmaceutical Assistance Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, December 18 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find additional information and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

DOH – ABC-MAP Board – 2024 Meeting Dates

The Pennsylvania Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions (ABC-MAP) Board has published its 2024 meeting calendar. Find the meeting dates and details on how to participate in this Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.

PA Safety Net Admin2023-12-11T14:42:46+00:00December 8th, 2023|Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination , Medical Assistance Bulletin, Meetings and notices, Pennsylvania Bulletin|Comments Off

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