Salud y Servicios Humanos 2025-2026

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 to consider the following legislation:

SB436 (Sen. Pennycuick) – Amends the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) to require the exchange of information and coordination between the Department of Human Services (DHS), County Children and Youth Social Service Agency (county agency), and the Department of Defense “Family Advocacy Program” when a report of child abuse or neglect concerns a military family.  Reported out as committed unanimously

SB461 (Sen. Brooks) – Establishes the Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Illness Diagnoses and Treatment Act, requiring insurance coverage for treatment and testing for Lyme disease or related tick-borne illnesses and imposes duties on the Department of Health (DOH).  Reported out as committed unanimously

SB715 (Sen. J.Ward) – Extends the sunset provision of the Rare Disease Advisory Council Act to June, 30, 2028.  Reported out as committed unanimously

HB27 (Rep. Khan) – Amends the Health Care Facilities Act by requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to adopt and implement policies to mitigate healthcare worker exposure to surgical smoke.  Reported out as committed unanimously

HB640 (Rep. D. Williams) – Amends the Administrative Code of 1929 by updating the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) annual reporting requirements to the General Assembly.  Reported out as committed unanimously

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on April 1, 2025, to vote on three bills.

SB 115 (Senators Argall) HHS shall give a skills competency exam to individuals seeking employment as a direct care staff person in lieu of a high school diploma or GED.

SB 256 (Senator Fontana) Establishes the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards in Child Care Facilities Act providing for the requirement of carbon monoxide detectors in childcare facilities if the facility uses a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance or has an attached garage.

SB 411 (Senator Vogel) Provides the PA Department of Health the ability to create and utilize a stroke registry. The registry shall be publicly accessible on the department’s website that includes information and data on stroke Care in PA.

SB 411 Amendment A00260 amends bill, page 2, line 8, by striking out “2025,” and inserting 2026, or 180 days after the effective date of this subsection, whichever is later.

All three bills and the amendment were voted out committee unanimously, 13-0.