Closing Year Recap
Written by Legislative Consultant, Bruce Hironimus

The closing weeks of June brought both productivity and activity, the most significant being the enactment of the state budget before deadline.

As part of the overall scope of budget related matters, the General Assembly ultimately inserted provisions in House Bill 1851 (Act 41 of 2018 as signed by Governor Wolf) that will essentially serve as an alternative attempt at taking $200 million from the PA Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association.  The bill moves the independent JUA under the jurisdiction of the State Insurance Department. The bill passed through both chambers despite reservations during the five party negotiations. 

On June 29, 2018, the JUA filed a lawsuit against the legislature and Governor Wolf seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Issues returning to forefront for POMA in the fall include: scope of practice, telemedicine, opioids, as reflected in the legislative action matrix below. The General Assembly summer recess is expected to extend until September 12 unless sooner recalled by the presiding officer of each chamber.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION MATRIX 

ISSUE | STATUS | ACTION

CRNP - SB 25 | Passed Senate, House Prof. Licensure | Entire House call to action, ongoing lobbying, public affairs

CRNP - HB 100 | House Professional Licensure | Entire House call to action, ongoing lobbying, public affairs

Physician Assistant -SB 896 | Senate Professional Licensure | Ongoing lobbying

Telemedicine - SB 780 | Senate Calendar | Letter of Support

Telemedicine - HB 1648 | House Insurance Committee | Monitor

Workers Comp Opioid | Governor vetoed | Monitor

Formulary - SB 936

Direct Primary Care - SB 926 | Reviewing amendment | Support