Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18, 2024, as National Mammography Day within Pennsylvania. The bill aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer and encourages residents to discuss screening options with their doctors, specifically urging women over 40 to get annual mammograms. It highlights the importance of early detection to improve survival rates but does not create new laws or allocate funding. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to promote health information rather than implementing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Professional Nursing Law to create a new program allowing certified registered nurse practitioners to work independently in rural areas without needing a written agreement with a physician. To qualify, a nurse practitioner must hold a current license, have no recent disciplinary actions, and demonstrate at least three years of prior practice experience involving over 3,600 hours. Once approved, eligible practitioners can prescribe treatments and manage patient care solely based on their nursing expertise, provided they continue to meet biennial renewal requirements and complete specific continuing education on patient safety. The legislation also clarifies that these nurses must identify themselves clearly to patients and refer cases beyond their scope of practice, while removing legal liability for collaborating physicians when the nurse practices under this new program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "Safe2Say Something Week" across Pennsylvania to highlight the state's Safe2Say Program. The program, managed by the Office of Attorney General and Sandy Hook Promise, provides an anonymous way for students, staff, and community members to report threatening behavior or mental health concerns. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has received over 146,000 reports, with recent data showing it is the most frequently used school safety reporting system in the nation. The resolution serves to recognize the program's success in addressing issues such as bullying, cyberbullying, and suicidal ideation without altering any existing laws or operational procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to create a digital system for tracking continuing education for state-licensed professionals. The system will allow licensing boards to verify that individuals like doctors, nurses, and contractors have completed their required training before renewing their licenses. It must connect professionals, staff, and education providers while collecting specific details such as license numbers and expiration dates. The bureau is mandated to develop a plan within 60 days and have the system fully operational within 18 months, after which all license renewals must use it. Existing rules allowing for hardship waivers or penalties for non-compliance remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define genetic testing and establish the scope of practice for genetic counselors. It authorizes genetic counselors to identify, order, and coordinate genetic tests as part of client assessments while requiring them to maintain detailed medical and counseling records. The legislation explicitly limits their role by stating they cannot diagnose, manage, or treat genetic diseases or other medical conditions. Once passed, these changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates September 2024 as "Vertebral Subluxation Awareness Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure aims to highlight the importance of chiropractic care by acknowledging the role of chiropractors in identifying and correcting spinal misalignments. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution seeks to increase public awareness about vertebral subluxations and their potential impact on nerve function and overall health.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Pennsylvania Senate to officially recognize October 2024 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the prevalence of pregnancy loss and infant mortality while noting disparities affecting Black families. It aims to increase public understanding and encourage compassion for those grieving these losses. By formally acknowledging the month, the bill seeks to support affected individuals and educate professionals who interact with them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates October 2024 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" within Pennsylvania. The bill serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of employment opportunities for the state's approximately 2.7 million adults with disabilities. It does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but rather encourages employers, schools, and community groups to promote inclusive hiring practices and the value of workers with disabilities. By adopting this theme, the Senate aims to raise awareness about the goal of providing good jobs and full participation for all Pennsylvanians.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to encourage residents to learn more about adult literacy and take part in activities that support literacy programs within the state. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of adult education and workforce skills.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 4, 2024, as "Manufacturing Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's manufacturing sector. It aims to highlight the industry's economic importance, which supports over 550,000 direct jobs and contributes significantly to the state's gross product. The resolution encourages the Senate to recognize manufacturing's role in providing high-wage employment and to promote opportunities for students and young people to consider careers in the field.