b'PACEP Government Affairs/Medical Economics Committee Update By Amanda L. Deshisky, DO, FACEPBEHAVIORAL HEALTH Sen. Bartolotta has reintroduced SB 178 (previously SB 1128) that would create Behavioral health continuesa real-time reporting system to identify to be a major issue affectingavailable psychiatric beds across the Emergency Departments across theCommonwealth. Commonwealth. In many locations, the ED serves as the primary entry-point forSCOPE OF PRACTICEpatients requiring inpatient psychiatric or substance use disorder treatment.PACEPs GA committee continues to Unfortunately, a combination of patientmonitor any legislation related to scope acuity, lack of appropriate inpatientof practice. Once again, Sen. Bartolotta beds, and insurance constraints, oftenhas reintroduced SB 25, which mirrors mean that patients can spend days orSB 25 from last session. This bill would Amanda Deshisky, DO, FACEP weeks in the ED awaiting placement.allow CRNPs to practice independently GA/Med Economics Committee Co-Chair This significantly adds to the burdensafter a three-year, 3600-hour physician EDs are already facing.collaborative agreement. As you may The new year has brought a newrecall, in a prior legislative session, lobbyist partnership with BigleyAs part of the 2022-2023 state budget,then Chairman Hickernell brokered a and Blikle, LLC (B&B). Jonathanthe legislature set aside $100 milliondeal with the Pennsylvania Coalition of in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Bigley and Nick Wachinski havefunding for adult mental healthNurse Practitioners (PCNP) that would already proven to be strongprograms. Act 54 of 2022 establishedhave created a pilot project to assess partners with PACEP. This yearthe Behavior Health Commissionthe efficacy of independent CRNP-led we are looking forward to takingfor Adult Mental Health. In Octobercare. During the 6-year pilot program, a more proactive approach with2022, the 24-member Commissiondata would have been collected to released its recommendations to themeasure the impact of independent legislation, and in general, raisingPA General Assembly in the BehavioralCRNPs in Pennsylvanias designated PACEPs profile in Harrisburg.Health Commission October 2022primary care Health Professional There has been a slow start to theSpecial Report. The report recommendsShortage Areas (HPSAs). However, legislative session due to specialappropriating the $100 million acrossPCNP reneged on the deal and instead elections in January and the Generalthree categories:has been seeking full independent Assemblys recess to hold hearings onpractice. PACEP continues to oppose Governor Shapiros budget. While weStabilize, strengthen, and expand thethis bill.dont expect much activity right now asworkforce ($37 million)the legislative body is focused on the I mprove criminal justice and publicVENUE SHOPPINGbudget, this provides us an opportunitysafety systems ($23.5 million) In March 2002, Pennsylvania passed to strategize and meet with key Expand capacity for services andthe Medical Care Availability and stakeholders. supports ($39 million) Reduction of Error Act (MCARE Act). PACEP Governmental Affairs CommitteeMCARE Act included the adoption priorities continue to be behavioralPACEP recently joined the Pennsylvaniaof Pa.R.C.P.1006(a.1), which requires health, opioid use disorder, scopeProvider Advocacy Coalition in a letterthat medical liability claims brought of practice, venue shopping andto urge the General Assembly and theagainst medical professionals must workforce issues.Shapiro administration to expedite thebe in the county that the actual release of the $100 million.patient care occurred. In August 12 PACEP News | Spring 2023'