WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 594

An Act providing for complex wheelchair quality assurance; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services and the Insurance Department.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Maria Collett and 13 co-sponsors

SB 594 establishes quality assurance standards for complex wheelchairs with joint DHS and Insurance Department oversight to protect disability users and ensure product safety compliance.

Referred to Banking & Insurance
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 594

Legislative bill overview

SB 594 establishes quality assurance requirements for complex wheelchairs and assigns oversight responsibilities to Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services and Insurance Department. The bill creates standards and procedures to ensure complex wheelchairs meet specified quality benchmarks and are appropriately regulated.

Why is this important

Complex wheelchairs—specialized mobility devices for individuals with significant disabilities—represent substantial out-of-pocket and insurance costs. Quality assurance standards help protect vulnerable users from defective equipment that could compromise safety, independence, and health outcomes, while also addressing potential fraud or substandard products in the marketplace.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and costs: Manufacturers and insurers may argue that new quality assurance requirements increase compliance costs, potentially raising prices for consumers or limiting device availability
  • Jurisdictional clarity: The dual assignment to both DHS and the Insurance Department could create ambiguity about enforcement authority, leading to implementation delays or conflicting standards
  • Definition scope: The bill's specific definition of "complex wheelchairs" may be too narrow or too broad, potentially excluding devices that need oversight or unnecessarily restricting products already meeting market standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.