Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SR 337: A Resolution recognizing June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of elder abuse. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a formal recognition to draw attention to the rising number of abuse reports and the vulnerability of older adults. By acknowledging this specific date, the resolution aims to encourage the public and officials to focus on safeguarding the well-being of the state's aging population.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises awareness of elder abuse, indirectly supporting the protection of vulnerable populations' well-being and safety within healthcare contexts.75% confidence

Tags Seniors

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2586: An Act prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as music therapists without holding a valid certification; and imposing a penalty.

This bill establishes legal protections for music therapy by requiring anyone who identifies as a music therapist to hold a valid certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. It prohibits unlicensed individuals from claiming to be music therapists, using specific credentials like "MT-BC," or implying they are qualified to provide clinical music therapy services. While the law allows professionals to use music in their general work, it strictly forbids them from representing themselves as certified music therapists without the proper credential. Violations of these rules are classified as third-degree misdemeanors and are also treated as unfair trade practices under state consumer protection laws.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by preventing unqualified individuals from providing clinical music therapy services, ensuring safe and competent care.85% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 2648: An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in regulation of insurers and related persons generally, providing for health insurance alteration prohibitions.

This bill prohibits licensed health insurers in Pennsylvania from increasing costs such as premiums, copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for specific health care services that were already covered under a policy. The law applies to individual and group health insurance plans but excludes self-funded employer plans and other limited benefit policies. Insurers may still raise costs if a service was obtained through fraud or if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues a warning about safety or if a drug manufacturer announces a discontinuance. Violations of these rules would be treated as unfair trade practices and could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the insurer.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prevents insurers from raising costs for covered services, protecting patient access and financial stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2653: An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.

This bill requires insurance companies in Pennsylvania to contract with behavioral health care providers who meet specific criteria, such as being licensed in good standing and offering services within the state. The law mandates that insurers cannot deny network participation to qualified providers who agree to standard contract terms, ensuring patients have access to a wider range of mental health and substance use disorder specialists. Additionally, the legislation establishes rules for claim handling and prohibits discrimination based on the type of behavioral health service provided. By creating these new requirements, the bill aims to remove barriers that might prevent individuals from finding suitable care within their insurance networks.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurer contracts with qualified behavioral health providers to expand patient access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2026

HB 2601: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, establishing the RECLAIM Program and the RECLAIM Advisory Committee; requiring the establishment of county delinquent youth care and custody funds; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services.

This bill creates the RECLAIM Program in Pennsylvania to help juvenile courts improve care and services for young people involved in the justice system. It requires the Department of Human Services to set up an application process where courts can request funding for operational costs related to diagnosis, treatment, and alternative placement facilities. The legislation also mandates that each county establish its own delinquent youth care and custody fund to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill establishes a RECLAIM Advisory Committee and requires that funded programs ensure equal access for minority youth.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates RECLAIM Program to improve care, treatment, and alternative placements for juveniles, directly supporting rehabilitation and justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds diagnosis, treatment, and alternative placement for juvenile justice, directly supporting mental health and healthcare services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 1350: An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, further providing for definitions and for unlawful acts or practices and exclusions; and providing for conduct relating to reproductive health data and sexual health data.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to specifically regulate how businesses collect and handle reproductive and sexual health data. It requires companies to obtain consumer consent, limit data collection to what is necessary for specific services, and provide clear options for users to access or delete this sensitive information. Additionally, the legislation restricts sharing this data with third parties unless there is valid consent or a legal mandate, while also establishing a process for the Attorney General to issue violation notices before taking enforcement action.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient privacy rights regarding reproductive and sexual health data, strengthening consumer protection in healthcare.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by regulating reproductive health data collection and requiring consumer consent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2614: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for medical devices.

This bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans toxic chemicals (ortho-phthalates) in medical devices to prevent leaching into patient fluids, reducing pollution and protecting environmental health.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill bans toxic chemicals in medical devices to prevent patient harm and protect health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 568: A Resolution designating June 23, 2026, as "Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates June 23, 2026, as Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day to highlight a rare genetic form of epilepsy that affects approximately 20,000 people in the United States. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves to raise public awareness about the condition, which often begins in infancy with temperature-sensitive seizures and can lead to developmental delays. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to honor medical professionals and families impacted by the disease while acknowledging the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness for a rare genetic condition, honoring medical professionals and promoting understanding of patient needs.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2646: 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 medical policies and clinical review criteria.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurers and managed care plans to include specific clinical review criteria in their medical policies. The key provision mandates that these policies cannot exclude, restrict, or delay coverage for prescription drugs solely because they received expedited FDA approval for serious or life-threatening conditions. Directly affecting insurance companies and managed care organizations, the law aims to ensure access to newly approved treatments without artificial barriers based on the speed of regulatory approval. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurers cannot delay coverage for FDA-approved drugs for serious conditions, improving patient access and protecting rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 572: A Resolution recognizing June 27, 2026, as "PTSD Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This House resolution designates June 27, 2026, as PTSD Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the mental health condition caused by traumatic events. The measure aims to increase public understanding of PTSD symptoms and reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder among all residents, including veterans and first responders. By officially recognizing this date, the bill encourages discussions about available treatments and the importance of seeking help.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma, directly supporting mental health services and patient access to care.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates PTSD Awareness Day to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking among veterans, directly supporting veteran mental health.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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