Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private health insurers and state-managed health plans to cover biomarker testing when it is used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a specific disease or condition. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of tissue, blood, or other biological samples to identify indicators of biological processes, while explicitly excluding coverage for general screening purposes. Coverage for these tests must follow the same rules as other medical services, including standard cost-sharing and medical necessity reviews, and the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of June 17 through 23, 2024, as "Sanitation Workers Week" to honor the state's waste and recycling employees. The measure does not alter laws or budgets but serves as a formal gesture of appreciation from the legislature to the approximately 6,000 residents employed in the sanitation industry. It highlights the physically demanding nature of the job, which involves collecting and disposing of refuse, and acknowledges the workers' essential role in keeping communities clean, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maddy summaryHB 1490 modifies the Acupuncture Licensure Act to require licensed acupuncturists to complete specific continuing education hours. This mandate aligns with existing requirements for physicians and osteopathic doctors under separate medical practice laws. The bill ensures that acupuncture professionals maintain updated knowledge through standardized training similar to other licensed healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's game laws to protect the privacy of law enforcement officers. It directly affects game wardens and other officers who issue citations by prohibiting them from listing their home addresses on official documents like tickets or special permits. The key provision adds a specific rule to the statute that bans the inclusion of personal residential information on any business issued by an officer. This change aims to mitigate potential safety risks for officers without altering their general enforcement duties or hunter registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is appointed, shifting the power from the commission itself to the Governor. Under the new rules, the Governor would select the director for a two-year term with the approval of the state Senate, while current or recent commission members would be ineligible for the role. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and are part of a broader legislative effort to reorganize and increase accountability within the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's hunting laws by creating a specific exception that allows unarmed individuals to enter posted or marked private property solely to retrieve a hunting dog. The exception does not apply if the land is fenced to exclude trespassers, designated as a biosecurity area, or if the person fails to contact the landowner before entering. Additionally, the legislation clarifies penalties for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping and outlines rules for training dogs on small game.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and a dedicated nomination committee to oversee the selection process. The Governor will appoint the poet laureate from a shortlist of candidates provided by the committee, which includes representatives from state arts and education agencies. The appointed poet will serve a two-year term without pay but will receive reimbursement for travel expenses while performing official duties such as reading poems at the governor's inauguration and legislative sessions. The legislation also establishes a specific committee structure to determine candidate qualifications and submit up to three finalists for the Governor's consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws to clarify requirements for medical consultations and informed consent. It mandates that, except in medical emergencies, a woman must have a private consultation with a physician to determine if an abortion is necessary based on her physical, emotional, and other relevant circumstances. Additionally, the law requires that at least 24 hours before the procedure, a physician must provide specific information about the procedure, the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, and available support services, while also informing the patient of her right to review printed materials. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather refines the current legal framework governing how abortions are performed and documented in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to clarify definitions and establish rules for open enrollment. It defines "medicare supplement policies" to include specific group insurance plans while excluding those offered by certain employers, labor organizations, and professional associations. The legislation requires insurers to issue policies within one month of application and payment, prohibits discrimination based on health status or medical history, and limits preexisting condition exclusions for applicants with at least six months of prior coverage. These changes aim to standardize how these insurance products are sold and ensure broader access for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions within Pennsylvania's Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act to clarify who qualifies as an "advanced practice professional." It specifically allows certified registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to work in outpatient psychiatric clinics if they obtain a mental health certification within two years of being hired or within two years of the law's effective date. Additionally, the bill permits physician assistants to practice in these settings if they have a written agreement with a psychiatrist, even without a separate mental health certification. These changes directly affect outpatient psychiatric clinics by expanding the pool of eligible staff members and providing a grace period for new hires to secure necessary certifications.