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HB 640

LIQUOR-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 640 enhances Pennsylvania's healthcare oversight by requiring assessments for managed care, hospitals, and facilities, ensuring better care for vulnerable populations.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 640

Summary of HB 640: An Act Amending The Administrative Code of 1929

Overview

Bill Number: HB 640
Title: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929
Status: Act No. 14 of 2025
Introduced: February 20, 2025

HB 640 is a legislative act aimed at updating and expanding the powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in Pennsylvania. The bill introduces various assessments related to managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities, as well as provisions for quality care assessments.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 640 is to enhance the regulatory framework governing health and human services in Pennsylvania. By establishing specific assessments, the bill seeks to ensure that various healthcare facilities maintain high standards of care and accountability. This is particularly relevant for facilities serving vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual disabilities and those requiring drug and alcohol treatment.

Key Provisions

  • Managed Care Organization Assessment: Establishes a framework for assessing managed care organizations to ensure they meet quality and service standards.
  • Intermediate Care Facilities Assessment: Introduces assessments for facilities that provide care to individuals with intellectual disabilities, focusing on quality of care and compliance with regulations.
  • Hospital Assessments: Mandates assessments of hospitals to evaluate their performance and quality of care.
  • Statewide Quality Care Assessments: Implements statewide assessments to monitor and improve the quality of care across various healthcare facilities.
  • Nursing Facility Assessment: Establishes assessments specifically for nursing facilities to ensure they provide adequate care to residents.
  • Powers and Duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Expands the responsibilities of this department to enhance oversight and service delivery in drug and alcohol treatment programs.
  • Judicial Administration Changes: Updates provisions related to surcharges and fees associated with judicial administration.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Healthcare Providers: Managed care organizations, hospitals, nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities will be directly impacted by the new assessment requirements.
  • Patients and Residents: Individuals receiving care in these facilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities and those in drug and alcohol treatment programs, will benefit from improved oversight and quality of care.
  • State Departments: The Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will have expanded roles and responsibilities in monitoring and regulating healthcare services.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Human Services.
  • Multiple Amendments and Considerations: The bill underwent several amendments and considerations in both the House and Senate throughout 2025.
  • June 30, 2025: The bill was signed by both the House and Senate, presented to the Governor, and subsequently approved, becoming Act No. 14 of 2025.

Conclusion

HB 640 represents a significant update to Pennsylvania's healthcare regulatory framework, focusing on enhancing the quality of care provided by various healthcare facilities. By instituting assessments and expanding departmental powers, the bill aims to improve accountability and service delivery for some of the state's most vulnerable populations.

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

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