Healthcare (Public Health)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 9, 2025

HB 2085: An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for Legionnaires' disease risk management; establishing the Legionnaires' Disease Awareness Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health.

HB 2085 requires public water systems serving over 100 connections to maintain minimum disinfectant levels (0.5 mg/L chlorine or 1.0 mg/L chloramine) to prevent Legionella bacteria growth. It mandates these systems to develop annual maintenance plans based on state-developed "best management practices" covering infrastructure monitoring, flushing schedules, and stagnation prevention. The bill also requires public water systems to report disruptions (like treatment changes or infrastructure failures) to the Department of Environmental Protection within 72 hours. Additionally, it creates a Legionnaires' Disease Awareness Fund for public education and imposes duties on both the DEP and Department of Health to manage risk and investigate outbreaks. This directly affects water providers, building owners, and public health agencies across Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents Legionnaires' disease through water safety measures, establishes Legionnaires' Disease Awareness Fund, and involves Department of Health, directly supporting public health programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 31, 2025

SB 957: An Act providing for patient election for donation and use of autologous blood; providing for disclosure of vaccination status in blood transfusions and requiring informed consent; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

SB 957, the Blood Transparency and Patient Rights Act, gives patients the right to choose their own stored blood (autologous donation) or blood from designated donors (directed donation) for transfusions. It requires hospitals and blood providers to disclose the vaccination status of blood donors to patients upon request and include this information in informed consent forms before transfusions. The law applies to all patients receiving blood transfusions in Pennsylvania medical facilities, with exceptions only in life-threatening emergencies where consent cannot be obtained. The Department of Health must create regulations for standardized consent forms and public education about these options, effective 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGives patients choice in blood transfusions and requires disclosure of donor vaccination status for informed consent, strengthening patient rights in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 1127: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

HB 1127 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows qualified professionals to practice across state lines while maintaining each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice and disciplinary actions. Key mechanisms include streamlined licensure pathways, shared disciplinary information between states, and protection of public health standards. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work in multiple compact states, particularly addressing workforce mobility and access to care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables cross-state dental practice, improving patient access to dental services by streamlining licensure for professionals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Public Health

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 4, 2025

SB 308: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in military educational programs relating to medical officer or health officer incentive program, further providing for definitions, for establishment of program, for program stipend, for additional incentives, for recoupment of incentive payments, for adjustment of stipend amounts and for eligibility; and making editorial changes.

SB 308 establishes a financial incentive program for Pennsylvania National Guard members serving in medical or health specialty roles. It provides monthly stipends ranging from $500 to $1,000 based on the officer's required education level (e.g., $1,000 for physicians/residents, $500 for public health officers), paid for up to 48 months or the first 36 months of service. The program covers specific roles including physicians, physician assistants, behavioral health officers, public health officers, nurses, and chaplains who meet credentialing requirements. Eligibility requires being a "member in good standing" and meeting federal and state licensing standards for their specialty. The bill also includes provisions for adjusting stipend amounts, recouping payments if requirements aren't met, and administrative funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides monthly stipends ($500-$1000) for medical/health officers in National Guard, directly funding healthcare personnel retention and recruitment in military medical roles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 16, 2025

SB 1057: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for healthier choices in SNAP waiver.

Pennsylvania's SB 1057 would amend the Human Services Code to seek a federal waiver allowing the state to exclude certain non-nutritive foods from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility for recipients. The bill specifically targets sugar-sweetened beverages (like soda), candy, and prepared desserts, while exempting items such as 100% fruit juice, milk, infant formula, medical foods, and unflavored water. Within 30 days of the bill's effective date, the state must request USDA approval for the waiver, and if approved, implement exclusions within 60 days. The bill also mandates a two-year report evaluating cost savings for health programs, public health impacts, and implementation challenges related to the restrictions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill restricts SNAP eligibility for sugary drinks/candy to promote healthier choices, aligning with public health initiatives. Exempts medical foods/infant formula, showing intent to improve nutrition-related health outcomes.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 602: An Act amending Title 35 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for opioid stewardship; establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund and the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

This bill establishes the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund, which will receive fees from opioid manufacturers and distributors, and creates the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council. It requires opioid manufacturers/distributors to obtain licenses and pay $27,500 annually for licenses (with $2,500 for non-opioid drugs), plus an additional annual fee if they distribute over 2 million opioid units. The Department of Health, Human Services, and Drug and Alcohol Programs must implement new reporting requirements, manage the fund, and coordinate with the advisory council. The fund will support community programs addressing the opioid crisis, directly affecting opioid manufacturers, distributors, and state agencies responsible for oversight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates Opioid Reparation Fund from manufacturer fees, establishes advisory council, and mandates health department implementation for epidemic response - directly strengthens public health program funding and coordination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 21, 2025

SB 1018: An Act providing for voluntary mRNA vaccine requirement, for waivers and informed consent, for employer and entity penalties, for Pennsylvania National Guard requirements and for enforcement; and imposing penalties.

SB 1018 would establish a framework for voluntary mRNA vaccine requirements (like those for COVID-19), requiring employers and entities to obtain informed consent and offer waivers for individuals. It outlines specific penalties for employers or entities that fail to comply with these consent and waiver procedures. The bill also includes provisions related to Pennsylvania National Guard requirements for vaccine distribution or enforcement, though details are limited in the current context. This legislation directly affects employers, healthcare entities, and individuals receiving mRNA vaccines in Pennsylvania, focusing on consent processes rather than mandating vaccination. The bill is currently pending referral to the Health & Human Services committee for further review.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareVoluntary mRNA requirements with informed consent and waivers protect patient rights and access, aligning with healthcare support indicators.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires employer consent/waivers for vaccine mandates, protecting worker autonomy in workplace health policies per bill's informed consent provisions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SB 196: An Act amending the act of July 15, 2004 (P.L.731, No.85), known as the Elderly Immunization Act, further providing for definitions; and making editorial changes.

SB 196 amends Pennsylvania's Elderly Immunization Act to update eligibility criteria for free flu and pneumonia vaccines. It changes the definition of "eligible person" to include individuals aged 50 or older for influenza vaccination (previously 65+) and 65 or older for pneumococcal vaccination. The bill clarifies who qualifies for existing state-funded immunization programs without creating new requirements or funding. It directly affects elderly and high-risk Pennsylvania residents seeking these preventative vaccines through the state's current program. The changes are primarily editorial and definitional, with no new program provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands free flu vaccine access to 50+ (previously 65+) under state immunization program, improving elderly healthcare access without new funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1365: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for public health notification programs; and establishing the Medication-Induced Movement Disorders Screening Education Program.

HB 1365 establishes Pennsylvania's Medication-Induced Movement Disorders Screening Education Program within the Department of Health. The program requires the development of educational materials for healthcare providers and the public about symptoms and screening for involuntary movement disorders caused by long-term mental health medications. It mandates the Department of Health to create electronic resources posted online and distribute guidance to facilities serving high-risk populations, including coordination with agencies like Mental Health Services and the Department of Aging. The bill focuses on raising awareness and standardizing screening practices, with implementation required within 60 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes mental health medication screening education program for providers/public, improving awareness of medication side effects and patient safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 1242: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for public health notification programs; and establishing a bone marrow donor recruitment program.

HB 1242 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to establish a bone marrow donor recruitment program that educates residents about registering with the National Marrow Donor Program and the bone marrow donation process. The program will develop and share electronic materials - including website content and machine-readable codes - at state websites, driver's license offices, and healthcare facilities to explain donor eligibility, registration steps, and donation procedures. This bill directs the state to provide accessible information to help Pennsylvanians understand how to become bone marrow donors, with a focus on increasing participation from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates public health program to increase bone marrow donor registration, improving access to life-saving transplants and supporting patient care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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