HB 1460, the Health System Protection Act, requires health care entities (like hospitals and clinics) and certain investors (such as private equity firms) to obtain pre-approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General before completing major transactions. This applies to sales of assets worth $10 million or more, ownership changes, or large financial distributions that could affect competition, costs, or access to care. The law prohibits transactions deemed "against the public interest," such as those reducing competition, raising prices, or limiting services in rural or low-income areas. Health care entities must either file a notification with a waiting period or get written approval before proceeding.
HB 836 prohibits Pennsylvania from interfering with the use of medically appropriate assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring individuals can access these services without state restrictions. The bill defines ART to include specific fertility procedures and requires that any new state laws must comply with this protection unless explicitly exempted by the legislature. It takes effect immediately, providing direct safeguards for individuals seeking ART services and healthcare providers offering them.
This resolution designates June 10, 2026, as "Just Be You Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor Lynzi Allen, the author of the book "Just Be You." The bill aims to promote self-confidence, celebrate diversity, and support mental health awareness among young people by encouraging schools, communities, and social media users to participate in related events and campaigns. While the text outlines plans for future activities like school assemblies and digital initiatives, the resolution itself serves only to officially name the date and express encouragement for a statewide movement focused on inclusion.
This bill allocates state funding to support the operation of Pennsylvania's professional licensure boards and the State Athletic Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It provides $68.4 million from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account to the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, along with separate restricted funds totaling approximately $13.5 million for the State Boards of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and the State Athletic Commission. The legislation ensures these organizations have the necessary resources to carry out their licensing and regulatory functions without treating these funds as general government appropriations.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow students with asthma or severe allergies to possess and self-administer their prescribed asthma medications (including inhalers) and epinephrine auto-injectors at school. Schools must create written policies requiring students to demonstrate self-administration capability and notify the school nurse after use, while ensuring medications are stored safely and accessible only to authorized students. The bill also permits trained school staff, including bus drivers and crossing guards, to administer epinephrine auto-injectors in emergencies for students experiencing allergic reactions or asthma attacks. These changes aim to improve student safety by ensuring timely access to life-saving medications during school hours.
HB 1045 requires Pennsylvania school nurses and other school staff with direct student contact to complete Department of Health-approved training on seizure recognition and first aid starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with training required every two years thereafter. The bill mandates specific content about identifying seizures, using seizure action plans, and providing basic first aid. It also clarifies that school staff providing seizure-related care are protected from civil liability under existing Good Samaritan laws (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8332 and 8337.1). This bill directly affects all public school staff in Pennsylvania who work with students and aims to improve emergency response for students with seizure disorders.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month to highlight a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. The bill aims to increase public knowledge about the condition, which can lead to seizures, strokes, and organ failure if not managed properly. By recognizing this month, the House intends to encourage pregnant individuals to learn about warning signs and seek timely medical care. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of support for maternal health awareness.
This bill repeals the Pennsylvania Medical Education Loan Assistance Program, which previously provided financial incentives to students pursuing medical, nursing, biomedical, and life sciences education. The program allowed eligible students to access loans with favorable terms, including low interest rates and fees, to encourage them to practice medicine or nursing in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved areas. By removing this legislation, the state will no longer administer this specific loan assistance program for medical education.
HR 203 is a House Resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study medication errors and patient safety. The Commission must form an advisory committee including health officials and stakeholder representatives (like pharmacists, nurses, and hospital associations) to examine how errors occur in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies. The study will review current state laws, other states' policies, and best practices, with a report containing recommendations due to the House within 18 months. This resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy through a comprehensive review.
HB 668 would allow Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, an existing agreement between states. This would let licensed counselors from other participating states practice in Pennsylvania more easily, and allow Pennsylvania counselors to practice in those states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill's key mechanism is adopting the standard compact form, creating a streamlined process for cross-state counseling licensure without changing existing state licensing requirements.
