Pennsylvania House Bill 2731 directs the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to work with the Department of General Services to procure opioid antagonists through a competitive process. The bill mandates that cost-effectiveness must account for at least 90% of the decision-making weight, while also considering product efficacy, availability, brand type, and shelf life. Additionally, it requires the department to submit an annual report on the procurement strategy and vendor selection to legislative committee leaders starting in 2028.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1439 tightens oversight of the state's health insurance exchange by requiring insurers to provide documentary proof of residency and legal status for every enrollee. The bill mandates that the exchange authority respond to insurer requests to cancel policies within one business day and make a final decision within five business days. Additionally, it requires the creation of an Office of Fraud Prevention within 180 days to investigate complaints, standardize reporting forms, and ensure staff receive annual anti-fraud training. The exchange authority must also submit an annual report to state legislators detailing fraud statistics, financial impacts, and implemented procedures.
Pennsylvania House Bill 2734 requires health insurance companies to cover FDA-approved diagnostic tests and treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The mandate applies to insurers offering individual or group health policies in the state, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2028, unless federal law preempts the requirement. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from using step therapy for these specific treatments, meaning patients cannot be forced to try other medications first before receiving coverage for approved Alzheimer's therapies.
HB 2745 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that creates a streamlined process for podiatric physicians to obtain licenses in multiple states. The bill establishes an interstate commission to administer the compact, manage a shared database of licensure and disciplinary records, and coordinate joint investigations among member states. Eligible podiatrists must designate a primary state of license and meet specific criteria, including a clean criminal record and no prior license discipline, to receive expedited multi-state licenses. The legislation also outlines procedures for renewing these licenses, handling disciplinary actions across state lines, and the financial responsibilities of participating states.
Pennsylvania House Bill 2733, known as the Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act, requires employers to provide eligible employees with a dedicated account containing 24 hours of paid leave specifically for prenatal medical appointments and related travel. To qualify, an employee must have worked for the same employer in the Commonwealth for at least 30 days, after which the employer must establish this separate account within two days of notification. The bill mandates that this leave be compensated at the employee's regular rate and count toward seniority and benefits, while prohibiting employers from forcing staff to use other types of leave or retaliating against them for utilizing these protections. Employers with 15 or fewer employees may apply for a six-month hardship exemption, and violations of the act are subject to fines of up to $50,000 per instance.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1424 amends the state's Newborn Child Testing Act to officially add Gaucher disease to the list of conditions covered by the newborn screening and follow-up program. The bill directs the relevant health department, with approval from a technical advisory board, to include this specific genetic disorder in routine infant testing. This change aims to help healthcare providers identify the condition early so they can determine if treatment or other services are needed to prevent potential intellectual disability, physical disability, or death.
To amend sections 2108.25, 4501.80, and 4501.81 and to enact section 313.141 of the Revised Code regarding organ donation and family notification after a death resulting from a motor vehicle accident.
To amend sections 3701.021, 3701.023, 3701.025, 3701.027, and 3701.029 and to repeal section 3701.024 of the Revised Code to eliminate county contributions to the Program for Medically Handicapped Children and to make an appropriation.
Relates to recognizing postpartum psychosis as a condition distinct from postpartum depression and directing the department of health to create screening guidelines for the condition and provide information to maternal health care providers.
Establishes a Medicaid fraud tip board which shall develop and administer a system offering monetary rewards to certain individuals reporting Medicaid fraud; creates a Medicaid fraud tip reward fund.
