This Senate Resolution supports a federal bill that would create a three-year grant program to fund research and development of new treatments for veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury. The proposed grants would support academic institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations in testing non-drug interventions, conducting clinical trials, training clinicians, and building partnerships to scale effective care strategies. The measure specifically aims to address mental health needs and suicide prevention among veterans, with Pennsylvania institutions encouraged to participate in the program. The resolution urges Congress to pass the federal legislation and calls for ongoing collaboration between state and federal officials to monitor and improve outcomes for veterans.
SB 507 amends Pennsylvania's medical licensing law to reestablish the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and update its structure. It directly affects midwifery professionals by creating three new license categories: midwifery, nurse-midwife, and certified midwife. The bill establishes specific requirements and definitions for these licenses under the board's authority. This change clarifies licensing pathways for midwifery practitioners within the state's medical regulatory framework. The bill passed final passage on October 21, 2025.
SB 980 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals after July 1, 2026 (for manufacturers/sellers) and January 1, 2027 (for users), with limited exceptions for federal requirements and exempt facilities like airports. It requires manufacturers of firefighting protective gear to label products containing PFAS and provide online information about PFAS content. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat offenses) and creates new grant funding for fire companies to dispose of PFAS foam and purchase PFAS-free alternatives, with penalty revenue directed to these programs.
SB 998 would create a grant program to fund expansions of nursing education programs at colleges and universities. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer grants for institutions aiming to increase nursing program capacity, directly affecting nursing schools and future nursing students. Key provisions include establishing grant criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements for funded programs. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations committee after committee review.
SB 1211 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to require casualty insurance policies to cover biomarker testing for medical assistance and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees. The bill defines medical assistance and CHIP managed care plans as health care plans that use gatekeepers to manage services, explicitly including biomarker testing in this definition. This change ensures that insurance coverage for these specific health services is standardized under state law, subject to necessary federal approval. The legislation takes effect 60 days after passage.
SB 804 amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to ban the intentional addition of DEHP and certain ortho-phthalates (like BBP, DBP, DINP) in medical devices. It specifically targets intravenous (IV) solution containers (like IV bags) and IV tubing used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The bill prohibits manufacturers from adding these chemicals to medical devices if they serve a functional purpose, requiring notice of such additions. This affects device manufacturers and healthcare facilities purchasing these products, directly changing manufacturing standards for common medical equipment.
SB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.
SB 715 extends the expiration date of Pennsylvania's Rare Disease Advisory Council from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This procedural bill directly affects the council, which advises state departments on rare disease issues, and the departments it collaborates with (Health, Insurance, Human Services, Education). The key provision simply changes the expiration date in the 2017 law without altering the council's structure or duties. This extension provides continued operation of the council for an additional three years.
SB 731 amends the existing Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program to add a new "Needs Enhancement Tier" for determining eligibility. This tier would allow more elderly residents to qualify for prescription drug assistance based on specific financial or health needs. The bill changes how eligibility is assessed under the program, making it easier for seniors with higher needs to access medication support. The bill recently passed final passage on November 12, 2025, and is now referred to Rules & Executive Nominations.
HB 749 updates Pennsylvania's public welfare laws to streamline assistance programs and improve service access. It requires copayments for subsidized child care, changes reporting for SNAP benefits, and mandates reports on transitioning to chip-enabled access cards for benefits. The bill removes regulatory barriers for outpatient behavioral health services provided within clinic facilities, allowing services to be billed as part of the clinic visit. It also requires additional reports to the General Assembly regarding medical assistance eligibility and nonemergency medical transportation services.
