Rep. Nancy Guenst

Maddy summaryHB 2173 updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act of 1985 by adding new definitions and licensing requirements for medical imaging professionals. It specifically creates licensing categories for roles like medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants, and trainees, defining their scope of practice (including modalities such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine). The bill removes outdated provisions about radiologic procedures and education requirements while establishing certification standards through recognized medical imaging certification organizations. This directly affects healthcare workers performing imaging procedures, requiring them to obtain board licenses based on their certified modalities. The changes clarify professional responsibilities and ensure consistent training standards for these healthcare roles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania's disability waiver programs. It specifically examines how to improve experiences for individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Services waivers through the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). The study will assess medical care access, healthcare support barriers, and staffing challenges for waiver participants. The findings will inform future improvements to these services, focusing on people with disabilities who rely on community-based care instead of institutional settings. (HR 134, 2025)

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to launch a public education campaign focused on prostate health and cancer screening. The legislation requires the department to provide clear, up-to-date information on risk factors, screening guidelines based on age and risk level, and the benefits and risks of available tests. To support these efforts, the bill establishes a dedicated state fund that can be financed through appropriations, grants, and donations to cover the costs of the campaign. The outreach will utilize various channels, including media, community forums, and partnerships with health providers, while ensuring materials are available in multiple languages.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Patient Test Result Information Act to require laboratories to directly notify patients when their prostate-specific antigen blood tests show abnormal results. Under the new rules, labs must send a notice within five days that includes a plain-language summary of the findings, the name of the doctor who ordered the test, and instructions on how to get the full report. The Department of Health is tasked with overseeing compliance with these notification requirements and creating a publicly available list of age-specific normal and abnormal test levels. While the full results are still sent to the ordering doctor, the law ensures patients receive immediate awareness of potential issues and are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider promptly.

Maddy summaryHB 434, the "Ebony Alert System Act," requires the Pennsylvania State Police to establish a system providing public alerts for missing young people of color (ages 12-25) under specific circumstances, including abduction, suspicious disappearance, or if they have disabilities. Law enforcement must consider eight factors - such as the individual's age, race, disability, or safety risks - before activating an alert. The system is funded by a $25 assessment on individuals convicted of kidnapping (18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 29), and falsely impersonating the alert system carries a $5,000 civil penalty. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, public safety systems, and vulnerable missing persons cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by updating key definitions to clarify anti-discrimination protections in employment. It lowers the minimum employee threshold for businesses to be considered "employers" from four to two workers, expanding coverage to more small businesses. The bill also explicitly includes religious, charitable, and similar organizations as employers for discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability - previously excluded for these categories. Additionally, it revises the definition of "employee" to focus on employer control over work while maintaining exclusions for casual domestic workers and family employees (e.g., parents, spouses, or children).

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Crane Operator Licensure Act to expand its scope and create a unified regulatory framework for both crane operators and well drillers under the State Board of Crane Operators and Well Drillers. The legislation establishes new definitions for various types of wells, including environmental, geotechnical, and geothermal wells, and introduces requirements for well driller licensure, examinations, bonding, insurance, and continuing education. It also mandates registration for drilling companies and rigs, adds reporting and sampling requirements, and includes provisions for license identification and exemptions for agricultural operations. The bill further outlines enforcement mechanisms, including procedures for license suspension or revocation for violations of the act.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 requires Pennsylvania public schools to create and share mental health support policies for students. The bill mandates that educators in grades six through twelve receive four hours of mental health training every five years. Additionally, the state Department of Education will develop model policies, training materials, and a curriculum to guide schools in identifying student needs and providing appropriate support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's child protective services agencies to notify school principals, guidance counselors, or mental health professionals when a student has recently experienced a traumatic event. The law mandates that these agencies create specific procedures to share this information while strictly prohibiting the disclosure of confidential case details. By enabling schools to monitor affected students, the measure aims to ensure they can provide appropriate support without compromising privacy. The regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.