House Health Committee Advances Bills on Rural Health, Test Results

February 05, 2025

State lawmakers today advanced two HAP-supported bills that will strengthen the rural health workforce and simplify communication of patient test results.

This morning, the House Health Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 157, sponsored by Chair Kathy Rapp (R-Warren, Crawford, Forest). The bill would establish a grant program to pay educational debt for licensed physicians, registered nurses, dentists and dental hygienists, and licensed practical nurses. Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and birthing centers in rural counties and designated medically underserved areas would be eligible to apply for grants to pay debt.

During the meeting, Rapp cited data from HAP’s Workforce Survey highlighting the need to support the rural health care workforce.

“The commonwealth currently does not have enough medical providers to meet Pennsylvania’s growing health care needs, leaving rural communities’ access to care in a perilous state,” Rapp said.

Additionally, the committee advanced House Bill 409. The bill, sponsored by Representative Bridget Kosierowski (D-Lackawanna), simplifies communication of test results to patients by removing ambiguous language related to “significant abnormality” and offering clarity on the timing of test results. It also ensures providers have the time to communicate to patients about potentially life-altering test results.

On Monday, HAP sent a letter to the committee urging support for both bills. HAP thanks the committee for their important work to advance these initiatives.

For additional information, contact Arielle Chortanoff, vice president, state advocacy, or Sarah Lawver, senior director, state advocacy.