June 24, 2026 · HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES · 3,549 words · 18 speakers · 156 segments
Good morning, everyone. I apologize for the delay. It's a busy time. You can tell it's budget season. I call to order this meeting of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. David, will you please call the roll?
Capoletti? Proxy?
Collette?
Here.
Culver?
Proxy?
Ferry?
Proxy?
Haywood.
Here.
Hutchinson.
Here.
Laughlin.
Yeah.
Proxy.
Schwenk.
Here.
Stefano.
Here.
Street.
Here.
Ward Judy.
Here.
Ward Kim.
Proxy.
Brooks.
Here.
We have a quorum. The first bill on today's agenda is House Bill 69. sponsored by Representative Cutler, which expands Pennsylvania's existing cancer drug repository program into a broader prescription drug repository program. I will move the bill, seconded by Senator Hutchinson. House Bill 69 amends the Cancer Drug Repository Program Act to establish a broader prescription drug repository program administered by the State Board of Pharmacy. The bill allows unused prescription drugs to be donated and redistributed. This most certainly is a very practical yet very important way to avoid waste of medications that have already been dispensed. I saw this personally when my mother passed away. Many of her prescriptions had just been refilled and were still sealed in the package. At a time where a family needs it most, this legislation can literally be a lifeline for patients. who struggle to afford medications. I want to thank Representative Cutler for this very thoughtful bill. And Representative Cutler, would you like to make comments?
Thank you, Madam Chair. I know that you have a very full meeting today, so I will be brief. Thank you for your comments and your support of the bill, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. I just appreciate your consideration. I actually had a constituent bring this to me who had a very similar story to that of your mother. They had just refilled thousands of dollars of prescriptions and ended up having to waste them, and he brought the grocery bag full into me in the office, and he was crying. And I think this is a great way to help people who could use some assistance. I also think it has the potential to save tens of millions of dollars when implemented fully. You look at many smaller states, and since implementation, many of the states that have such a program are saving $70 million, $80 million in prescription costs and would just appreciate your consideration. Happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Senator Schwenk?
Representative Cutler, I think it's a great idea. I appreciate you bringing it forward. Tell me, though, how will this interact with the drug repository programs, unused prescription drugs that, for example, district attorneys run? We have a box in our office where you can deposit unused prescription drugs. How will these interface? Practically, I guess I'm saying, how will this work?
Great question. We actually expressly prohibited narcotics in this bill, so the boxes would still be utilized for that. But other medicines, typically the more costly ones that could be reused, would be eligible for this program. Thank you.
Seeing none, hearing none. Representative Cutler, I most certainly congratulate you on the legislation, and I want to thank you for all of the most important work that you've done throughout the years in the House of Representatives as well as your tenure as speaker. I enjoyed serving with you in the House, and I wish you the very best on your retirement, and congratulations with this legislation.
Thank you, Madam Chair. It means a great deal to see so many of our former colleagues from the House here and members that I serve on other committees with. So thank you very much.
Thank you. David, will you please call the roll?
Capoletti?
Foxy, aye.
Collette?
Aye. Aye.
Culver?
Proxy aye. Aye. Ferry. Proxy aye. Haywood. Aye. Hutchinson. Aye. Laughlin. Proxy aye. Schwenk. Aye. Stefano. Aye. Street. Aye. Ward Judy. Aye. Ward Kim. Proxy aye. Brooks. Aye. House Bill 69 passes unanimously and is reported out of committee. Congratulations.
Thank you again, Madam Chair and members of the committee. Thank you.
the next bill on today's agenda is house bill 928 sponsored by representative kosarovsky which requires daycare facilities subject to department of health funding to acquire store and maintain epinephrine delivery systems such as the epi pens train designated employees on their use provide related information materials to parents and guardians and receive liability protection for good faith use. Is there a motion to consider the bill? Moved by Senator Judy Ward, seconded by Senator Stefano. This bill is co-primed by Representative Kosarowski and Marcel. Representative Kosarowski was not able to be here today, but the chair recognizes
Representative Marcel for comments on the bill. Representative Marcel. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the members of the committee for hearing about this important legislation today. First, I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank the general lady from Lackawanna County, my colleague Bridget Kozaroski, for introducing this bill, as well as the House and Senate chairs that have helped along the path here to make it truly bipartisan. House Bill 928 builds upon existing Pennsylvania law by helping child care facilities obtain and maintain a supply of EpiPens. It also strengthens training requirements, so staff are prepared to to recognize allergic reactions and administer the appropriate dose when needed The bill was inspired by the tragic death of a three Elijah Silvera who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at his daycare facility This was in New York, despite staff being aware of his dairy allergy. We all know that no one ever wants to face an emergency with their child. No parent wants to learn that their child has a food allergy in the middle of a reaction. And I'm here because I know that firsthand. And we learned about my son's food allergies on his first birthday when he ate a cupcake. What began as a joyful celebration quickly turned into an allergic reaction. That moment set us on a path for years of allergy tests, doctor visits, hospital visits, even an ambulance ride in a foreign country. Over the years, his list of allergies has grown from eggs to peanuts and tree nuts and some seeds. As a mother of a child with food allergies, I never go anywhere without Benadryl or an EpiPen. Everyone who's going to be around him has to know how to use an EpiPen as well. And unfortunately, I still worry that there may be an allergy that we haven't discovered yet. But my greatest concern is what happens when I'm not there with him. That's what House Bill 928 is all about. It gives our daycare providers the tools, training, and support that they need to respond when seconds count. It provides access to the EpiPen injectors, strengthens training requirements, and makes sure that parents have better information. This bill brings peace of mind to families and gives providers the resources they need to act quickly in a crisis, and most of all, it saves lives. I'm very proud to support this bill and, again, ask for your support of this important legislation today. Thank you for your consideration.
thank you representative marcel any questions or comments on the bill senator collette
thank you madam chair um and thank you chairman haywood for bringing um this bill up for a vote today i have the companion bill in the senate so i'm really excited to see this bill moving it is so critical and so important so thank you so much representative marcel for being here to speak about your experience. You know, we all know someone who has a child with a food allergy, whether it's a, you know, a classmate of our child's in school, someone down the road, something like that. We all know someone. And I think that even if we don't, we know what it's like to hand your child over to a child care provider and put that child in their trust for the day. So I am grateful that this bill is being heard today and that we're going to be able to vote on it. As you know, Madam Chair, I do have a technical amendment that DHS has requested that I'll be offering on the floor, but today we really do have the opportunity to enhance food allergy safety in all child care settings in the Commonwealth. This legislation, as you've said, will provide daycare providers with the essential tools, training, and resources necessary to effectively respond in emergency situations, and I am excited to urge a yes vote, and I thank the
committee for its consideration. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Collette. Any other comments or questions? No? I do want to add that the bill is structured to avoid imposing a new unfunded purchasing mandate on child care providers. Child care is already very expensive. The bill requires facilities to acquire and stock epinephrine only under a valid prescription and subject to funding being specifically designated by the department. So any other questions, comments? Seeing none, hearing none, David, please call the roll.
Capoletti. Yes, Proxy. Collette.
Aye.
Culver.
Proxy, aye.
Ferry.
Aye.
Haywood.
Yes.
Hutchinson.
Aye.
Here. Laughlin.
Proxy, aye.
Schwenk.
Aye.
Stefano. Street. Ward Judy. Ward Kim. Proxy. Aye. Brooks. Aye. House Bill 928 passes unanimously and is reported out of committee. Congratulations to you and Representative Kosarowski and thank you Representative Marcel for being here today and telling your story. Thank you Madam Chair. Thank you.
The next bill on today's agenda is House Bill 1117, sponsored by Representative Rivera, changing the Department of Drug and Alcohol Program state plan requirement from annual to every three years and updating other language on addiction and abuse. Is there a motion to consider the bill? Moved by Senator Haywood, seconded by Senator Street.
I offer Amendment A03874 and move for its adoption.
Do I hear a second? Seconded by Senator Street.
This amendment is very simple. It changes the term of the plan report from three years to two years. This change is in response to feedback I've received from the provider community that timely reports from D-DAP are necessary to track and adapt to changes in the industry. The bill's sponsor, Representative Rivera, is agreeable to the amendment.
Are there any questions or comments on the amendment? Seeing none, hearing none, David, please call the roll on the amendment.
Capoletti. Proxy, yes. Collette.
Aye.
Culver.
Proxy, aye.
Ferry.
Aye.
Haywood.
Yes.
Hutchinson.
Aye.
Lothlin.
Proxy, aye.
Schwenk.
Aye.
Stefano.
Aye.
Street.
Aye.
Board Judy.
Aye.
Board Kim.
Proxy, aye.
Brooks.
Aye.
Aye.
The amendment passes unanimously. We now have House Bill 1117 as previously moved and amended. Are there any questions on the bill as amended? Seeing none, hearing none. Any opposition to using the previous roll call? We'll use the previous roll call. House Bill 1117 as amended passes unanimously and is reported out of committee. The next bill on today's agenda is House Bill 1859, sponsored by Representative Curry, 1851, sponsored by Representative Curry, which amends the vital statistics law to allow licensed midwives to certify fetal death. Is there a motion to consider the bill? Moved by Senator Haywood seconded by Senator Collette House Bill 1851 amends the vital statistics law to define midwife and to add licensed midwives to the list of providers authorized to provide medical certification information for fetal death certificates Are there any questions or comments on the bill? Senator Haywood.
Thank you, Madam Chair. House Bill 1851 is a vital piece of legislation that ensures compassionate care for grieving families by allowing certified nurse midwives to complete and sign the fetal death reports. By enabling midwives to sign these reports, we honor the essential role in their labor and delivery and spare grieving parents the unnecessary administrative burdens waiting for them, they have to wait for an outside physician. I'd like to say I'm also proud to have a significant Philadelphia midwife collective in my district. They have embodied what holistic medicine and health care is, providing these services with dignity. And their mission is to provide accessible and affordable health care. And to see this new capacity for them will be significant for all that they serve. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for with the utmost dignity, even in difficult moments as these, what this bill is attempting to address. So I encourage support for this legislation and certainly want to thank Representative Curry for her leadership.
Thank you, Senator Haywood. Any further questions or comments on the bill? Seeing none, hearing none, David, please call the roll.
Capiletti. Proxy, yes. Collette.
Aye.
Culver.
Proxy, aye.
Ferry.
Aye.
Haywood.
Aye.
Hutchinson.
Aye.
Laughlin.
Proxy, aye.
Schwenk.
Aye.
Stefano.
Aye.
Street.
Aye.
Ward Judy.
Aye.
Ward Kim.
Proxy, aye.
Brooks.
Aye.
House Bill 1851 passes unanimously and is reported out of committee. The next bill on today's agenda is House Bill 2540, sponsored by Representative Dan Williams, which requires the Department of Human Services to transition access cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to chip-enabled technology. Is there a motion to consider the bill? I'll move the bill, seconded by Senator Hutchinson. This bill requires DHS, if funding is appropriated, to transition SNAP cards to chip cards by January 1, 2028. The transition must be completed in a way that won't result in disruption to beneficiaries. Unfortunately, benefit theft continues to be a problem across Pennsylvania, including in my own legislative district. In February of last year, at least 70 Crawford County residents were victims of benefit theft. This problem is real. These thieves are not only stealing from families during difficult times, but they are also stealing from the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, who are oftentimes working two jobs just to support their families. A transition toward security chips will bolster protections for these benefits and help prevent theft. Are there any questions or comments on the bill? Senator Street.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, this bill is critically important. It's important to protect the rights of vulnerable people who are some of Pennsylvania's most needy citizens who rely on the resources provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is important to safeguard taxpayer dollars as well, and we should always be using the best technology to advance both of those ends. And to that end, I thank the maker of the bill. I will note that I have a companion piece of legislation in the Senate and urge a yes vote today. Thank you. I yield, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Senator Street. Senator Schwenk?
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just as many of us have watched the evolution on credit cards and debit cards to chip technology, this is really an important feature that we need to have on EBT cards. It's already been well noted, and I think we have all experienced or know of constituents who have experienced snap card theft, that this is critically important that we move forward. Other states have already done this, so it's certainly long overdue. And I would add that while, you know, we're watching as SNAP benefits are evolving in terms of how people qualify to be able to receive this, that making sure that everybody can use every last dollar that they do receive as the program exists now is critically important. So I, too, am really happy to support this bill.
Senator Haywood.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Last week, when I was outside my office, my district office, a neighbor came up to me, and he said, what is going on to stop these stolen cards that are taking money from individuals? This is the answer. I'm so glad to be in this committee hearing where we can today, one week after my neighbor approached me, say that we are advancing legislation that's bipartisan, that will reduce the amount of theft of these cards. And we know it works. We have examples from California, where they introduced these chip technology and had an 83% decline in theft. So we are doing what works. And as my colleagues have shared, this type of theft is rampant. According to a recent report in the Philadelphia Inquirer they seen over 5 EBT skimming cases just from the start of this year to May costing over million in stolen benefits So this is certainly the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator Haywood. Seeing no further questions or comments, David, will you please call the roll?
Capoletti. Proxy, yes. Collette. Aye. Culver. Proxy, aye. Barry. Aye. Haywood. Aye. Hutchinson. Aye. Laughlin. Proxy, aye. Schwenk. Aye. Stefano. Aye. Street. Aye. Ward Judy. Aye. Ward Kim. Proxy, aye. Brooks. Aye.
House Bill 2540 passes unanimously and is reported out of committee. The final item on today's agenda is Senate Resolution 216, sponsored by Senator Dush, which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an audit and issue a report on Pennsylvania's Medicaid program. Senator Hutchinson moves the bill. I second the bill. This resolution builds on the path this committee has taken to protect programs that help vulnerable families in need. Unfortunately for every Medicaid dollar stolen, it takes valuable resources away from the very people that need them. This resolution gives the General Assembly another tool for preventing fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. Medicaid is one of the largest programs in the Commonwealth. An independent review can help identify problems, strengthen oversight, and make sure the program is serving the people who most certainly need it. We just saw a recent example at the federal level of a Medicare fraud fugitive captured in the Philippines after authorities alleged a $1.2 billion healthcare fraud conspiracy involving medically unnecessary equipment and elderly victims. Although in this case it was Medicare and not Medicaid, the lesson is still the same. Taxpayer-funded health care programs involve enormous sums of money, and bad actors will seek out weaknesses or ever adequate protections are not in place. If fraud of that scale can happen in a public health care program, why would we not do our due diligence here? This resolution gives us another way to identify problems, root out waste and fraud, and ensure that Medicaid dollars are serving the very people that they were intended to serve. I ask for an affirmative vote. Are there any questions or comments on this resolution? Senator Haywood.
Thank you so much. And I firmly share in the desire to root out all the fraud and abuse and waste that we can in the Medicaid program and in government in general, really, actually even the private sector. So the more we can do to cut fraud and waste, we should do. At the same time, it's come to my attention that this Medicaid program in particular is subject to audits by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also known as CMS. and is also subject to audits and reviews by the Federal Office of Inspector General, OIG, and that these two agencies are already doing reviews and audits continuously and rigorously of our state Medicaid program. The reports cited by the sponsor indicate that there are concerns that CMS and it appears the Office of Inspector General are addressing. And so I will be looking to propose an amendment to this legislation to avoid the redundancy of doing reviews of what has already been reviewed by CMS and what has already been reviewed by Office of Inspector General so that we have a scope that's not duplicative, not redundant. I have not yet been able to talk to the sponsor about these amendments. Hopefully he would also want to avoid the redundancy of doing what's already been done. But until I have that conversation, I would be a no subject to further conversation on the amendment
so we don't really have more waste of having two studies of the same thing. Thank you, Senator Haywood. Any other comments or questions? I do just want to add that here on the state level and the federal level, we've identified fraud that happened years ago. And so just having that second set of eyes and doing this study most certainly, I think, benefits the very people that these programs were intended to serve. and I think that was the maker of the resolution's intent, is that sometimes things fall through the cracks, and having just another study, a comprehensive study, and looking at it from different angles perhaps would find things that are maybe missed with other things. So any other questions or comments? Seeing none, hearing none, David, please call the roll.
Capoletti. Proxy no. Collette?
No.
Colvern?
Proxy aye.
Ferry?
Aye.
Haywood?
No.
Hutchinson?
Aye.
Laughlin?
Proxy aye.
Schwenk?
No.
Stefano?
No.
Street?
No.
Ward Judy?
Aye.
Ward Kim?
Proxy aye.
Brooks?
Aye.
Aye.
Senate Resolution 216 passes by a vote of 8 to 5 and is reported out of committee. That concludes today's agenda. Having no further business before the committee, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee will recess until the call of the chair. I want to thank the members for their attendance today. Thank you.