Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summarySB 1281 updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally include definitions and licensure requirements for several allied health professions, including respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, and prosthetists. The bill also establishes specific rules for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, and radiologist assistants, while removing previous education and training mandates related to radiologic procedures. A key provision across these new categories is the requirement that applicants demonstrate good moral character, with a specific instruction for the licensing board to conduct individualized assessments of criminal convictions. By adding these roles to the state's regulatory framework, the legislation ensures that these healthcare workers operate under standardized licensing and qualification standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" throughout Pennsylvania to honor individuals overcoming substance use and mental health disorders. The measure cites state statistics on addiction and overdose deaths to highlight the importance of supporting recovery communities and service providers. By recognizing this national observance, the bill encourages Pennsylvanians to celebrate those in recovery and offer support to those struggling with addiction. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and promote community engagement during the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs funds from the State Lottery Fund to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to support various programs for older adults. The legislation allocates money for general department operations, a major expansion of the PENNCARE program for services like counseling and community care, caregiver support, and grants for senior centers. Additionally, it provides funding for Alzheimer's outreach, pre-admission assessments, and a transfer to the Pharmaceutical Assistance Fund. These financial changes take effect immediately and apply retroactively to July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the impact of pediatric cancer on the state's youth and families. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about the disease and the state's existing support systems. It acknowledges Pennsylvania's role as a leader in pediatric care by recognizing its seven Children's Oncology Group hospitals and the millions of dollars already allocated to research. The resolution encourages residents to join the fight against the disease and honors the patients, families, and medical professionals involved in the cause.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It aims to honor the history, culture, and contributions of the state's nearly one million Hispanic residents, who are primarily of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican descent. The measure highlights the significant roles these communities play in Pennsylvania's economy, public service, and military history. By adopting this observance, the Senate formally recognizes the achievements of Hispanic Americans without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. It highlights that one in eight residents and one in six children face limited access to adequate food, a problem that affects both urban and rural areas. The measure encourages public and private entities, including businesses and community groups, to engage in efforts to support hunger relief organizations. By formally recognizing this month, the Senate aims to mobilize support for the 1.5 million Pennsylvanians who rely on food banks and pantries annually.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes new rules to limit the use of DEHP and other similar chemicals in medical devices like IV bags and tubing. It prohibits the manufacture and sale of these devices containing DEHP starting in 2026, with a complete ban on all IV tubing by 2031, while also forbidding the replacement of DEHP with other chemicals in the same family. Additionally, the law requires healthcare providers to inform patients about the potential risks of these chemicals and their right to request DEHP-free equipment before treatment begins. The legislation is based on findings that these substances can interfere with hormones and may contribute to certain health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates August 2024 as "Civic Health Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the connection between voting and community well-being. The measure does not create new laws or change government procedures but serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage civic participation. It aims to raise awareness that engaging in elections can help shape policies related to health, housing, and transportation, which are critical for individual and community health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to provide operating assistance for public transportation in Pennsylvania counties that are experiencing growth. Eligible recipients include transit agencies located in counties where either the total population or total employment has increased over the past five years. The program will split available funding evenly between these two categories, with amounts awarded based on each county's specific growth rate. To receive funds, applicants must already be recipients of existing state transportation grants and will be subject to standard program requirements without a new local matching fund mandate.

Maddy summaryThis law updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how schools must support students who are children of National Guard or Reserve members. It ensures that these students receive the same educational protections as those covered under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, regardless of whether their parent is stationed in another state or within the Commonwealth. The bill defines key terms like "Compact student" and limits the new rules to actions taken by public schools located in Pennsylvania. By aligning state regulations with the national compact, the legislation provides a consistent framework for supporting military-connected children in public education.