Healthcare

HB 269 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to improve access to overdose response information. It requires the Department of Health to develop free online training materials, posters, and pamphlets about recognizing opioid overdoses and using reversal medications (like naloxone), with the materials available in multiple languages upon request. Specific public entities - including Commonwealth agencies, transit authorities, municipalities, and local transportation organizations - must display the poster in conspicuous public locations, such as bathrooms or lobbies. The Department covers all printing and distribution costs, and entities already displaying equivalent materials may substitute them with prior notice. This bill focuses on education and resource accessibility, not changing drug laws or medication access.

HB 409 amends Pennsylvania's Patient Test Result Information Act to require healthcare providers to give patients written notice at the time of diagnostic imaging services (like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds) about how to access their results, including online portals or mail (with a possible fee for mailing). It also mandates a follow-up notice within 20 days if a significant abnormality is found, including details like the test date and ordering doctor's name, unless exceptions apply. Exceptions include routine obstetrical ultrasounds, inpatient or emergency care, diagnostic radiographs (X-rays), and patients with chronic conditions who were previously notified. This bill directly affects patients receiving diagnostic imaging and the healthcare facilities performing these services.

HB 111 prohibits life insurance companies in Pennsylvania from denying coverage, limiting benefits, or charging higher rates to applicants or policyholders solely because they have been prescribed an opioid overdose reversal agent (like naloxone). The bill directly affects individuals who use these medications, including those with opioid use disorder or at risk of overdose. It defines "adverse action" to include these discriminatory practices and makes such actions violations of existing laws against unfair insurance practices. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

HB 33 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to clarify definitions and strengthen oversight of testing labs and practitioners. It defines key terms like "independent laboratory" (requiring no ties to marijuana businesses) and "approved laboratory" (testing medical marijuana samples under department approval). The bill gives the Department of Health new authority to impose conditions on medical practitioners, such as limiting certifications or requiring supervision, to protect patient safety. These changes directly affect medical marijuana patients, healthcare providers who certify them, and labs testing products for quality and safety. The updates aim to improve accountability in the program through clearer rules for lab accreditation and practitioner oversight.