Healthcare

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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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2548: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Gaudenzia DRC, Inc., certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County.

This bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer a 2.7-acre tract of land in Philadelphia, formerly part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, to an organization called Gaudenzia DRC, Inc. for a nominal fee of one dollar. The transfer is conditional on the new owner using the property exclusively for drug and alcohol rehabilitation purposes, with a clause requiring the land to revert to the state if this restriction is violated or if the property is sold within 20 years. Additionally, the deal includes a permanent ban on using any part of the land for licensed gaming facilities, and the transaction requires final approval from the Governor.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill transfers state land for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, directly expanding access to healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 1, 2026

HR 517: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Preeclampsia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes public awareness of a serious pregnancy complication to encourage timely medical care and education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 16, 2026

HR 464: A Resolution designating May 14, 2026, as "Apraxia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House resolution designates May 14, 2026, as "Apraxia Awareness Day" to highlight childhood apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 children. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which requires intensive speech therapy and can impact a child's ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. By encouraging residents to foster community awareness, the resolution seeks to support families and professionals working to help children with this neurological disorder develop their speech skills.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness of a speech disorder requiring therapy, indirectly supporting patient understanding and access to care.75% confidence

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2026

SB 1261: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies; and, in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

SB 1261 updates Pennsylvania laws to provide financial assistance to fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies through a state loan program. The bill allows these organizations to apply for loans to purchase or modernize vehicles, facilities, and protective equipment, while also permitting refinancing of existing debt. Key provisions include setting specific loan limits, requiring applicants to contribute at least 20% of project costs, and mandating that protective gear be free of harmful chemicals. Additionally, the legislation repeals previous COVID-19 specific grant programs and establishes a requirement for annual reporting on the use of these funds.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides financial assistance to EMS companies for vehicles and equipment, strengthening emergency medical services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 2427: An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in quality health care accountability and protection, further providing for definitions and providing for utilization management for stage four, advanced metastatic cancer drugs; and making a repeal.

HB 2427 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to regulate how insurers cover drugs for stage four, advanced metastatic cancer. The bill prohibits insurance policies from requiring patients to fail a different medication or prove a history of failure before approving coverage for a new drug, provided the drug is FDA-approved and aligns with current clinical best practices. This legislation also repeals the previous Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Law while ensuring that all existing rules, contracts, and decisions made under that law remain in effect.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers to cancer drug coverage, improving patient access and protecting rights to necessary treatments.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2435: An Act imposing dementia care training requirements for certain emergency medical services providers; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Health.

This bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates dementia care training for EMS providers, improving patient care quality and protecting vulnerable individuals.95% confidence

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