Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 27, 2026

HB 2543: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for pending medical assistance applications.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to improve how the state handles pending applications for long-term care medical assistance. It requires county offices to establish a standardized process that includes sending specific pending letters within ten days, communicating weekly with providers, and reviewing new documents within ten days of receipt. Additionally, the legislation mandates an annual public report on application statistics and allows nursing facilities to request payment for uncompensated care if an application has been pending for at least sixty days. These changes directly affect county assistance offices, long-term care providers, and residents waiting for eligibility decisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines long-term care application processes, improving patient access to medical assistance and strengthening administrative efficiency.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SR 264: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 6 through 12, 2026, as "Public Health Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates the week of April 6 through 12, 2026, as 'Public Health Week' throughout Pennsylvania to align with the national observance. The measure includes a series of 'whereas' clauses that highlight various public health statistics and challenges, such as declining life expectancy, health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, and the impact of violence and disease on the community. By officially recognizing this week, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventive health measures and the role of public health professionals in improving overall community well-being.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates 'Public Health Week' to raise awareness of health challenges, aligning with efforts to strengthen public health initiatives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SR 269: A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to increase public awareness of the disease. The bill directly affects state officials and the general public by formally recognizing the month for educational purposes. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for businesses or individuals. The resolution serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and families while acknowledging ongoing research efforts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness of ALS, a critical health condition, promoting education and support for patients.85% confidence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House May 5, 2026

HR 473: A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness of ALS, fostering support for patients and research efforts.70% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 1312: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

This bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. The legislation empowers the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to execute the agreement, which aims to improve public access to care, support military families, and reduce administrative burdens for professionals. Under the compact, a Pennsylvania athletic trainer with a valid, unencumbered license would receive a "compact privilege" to work in other participating states while still adhering to the patient's local laws and regulations. The agreement also establishes a commission to oversee the compact and facilitates the sharing of disciplinary and investigative information among member states to maintain public safety.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to care by allowing athletic trainers to practice across state lines, reducing administrative barriers.85% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1316: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for pending medical assistance applications.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to streamline how the state handles pending applications for long-term care medical assistance. It requires county offices to use a standardized process that includes sending electronic status updates to providers within ten days and reviewing new documents within ten days of receipt. The legislation also allows nursing home providers to request payment for uncompensated care if an application has been pending for at least sixty days, ensuring facilities are compensated while waiting for a final decision. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals with pending applications be counted in nursing facility census data and requires the state to publish an annual public report on application approval and denial statistics.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines medical assistance applications and allows providers to request payment for uncompensated care, improving access and funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 14, 2026

HB 2520: An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions and for midwifery.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define 'lay midwives' as unlicensed individuals who provide support before, during, and after birth. It establishes specific rules for these unlicensed practitioners, prohibiting them from representing themselves as licensed or administering prescription medications. The legislation also requires lay midwives to obtain and retain signed informed consent forms from clients that detail their training, confirm their unlicensed status, and outline a plan for handling medical issues or transferring care to licensed providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to midwifery services by formally defining and regulating lay midwives, enhancing patient care options.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SR 294: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation and reduces reliance on traditional punishment through specialized courts.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes specialized courts for substance use and mental health, aiming to improve access to treatment and support recovery over punishment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 26, 2026

SR 327: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental health for all residents. The bill does not change any laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about mental health challenges. It also expresses the Senate's support for policies that promote mental health resources, education, and treatment with parity to physical health coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill symbolically recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month and explicitly expresses support for policies promoting mental health resources, education, and treatment parity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 7, 2026

SR 315: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Celiac Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Celiac Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight celiac disease, an autoimmune condition affecting approximately 130,000 residents. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the disease, which requires a strict gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage and other health complications. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate intends to encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and promote discussion about the need for better research funding and food labeling.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates Celiac Awareness Month to increase public understanding, encourage early diagnosis, and reduce stigma for a specific health condition.85% confidence

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