PAMED News

Shoulder dystocia is a rare but serious condition that occurs when one or both shoulders become stuck during a vaginal delivery and can result in serious injury to the neonate.

The Patient Safety Authority (Authority) and Department of Health (Department) provide updated draft guidance to acute healthcare facilities with reporting duties under the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act to assist with determining whether specific occurrences meet the statutory definitions of serious events, incidents or infrastructure failures as set forth in section 302 of the MCARE Act.

PAMED joined 87 other organizations representing physicians, payers, and patients in signing a letter supporting the Physician-Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 2191/S.1390). This critical bipartisan and bicameral legislation offers an innovative and practical solution to the growing healthcare crisis devastating rural America.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today adopted individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B immunization for parents deciding whether to give the hepatitis B vaccine, including the birth dose, to infants born to women who test negative for the virus.

It has been an honor to serve as president of PAMED. The experience allowed me to personally engage in our legislative process, interact with the media and, most importantly, listen to and appreciate our members.

The Department of Health (Department) is updating the residency criteria set forth in the Chronic Renal Disease Program. This program provides coverage for both children and adults who have end-stage renal disease.

The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (Board) proposes to amend continuing education and volunteer services regulations.

Ada-Nkem Emuwa, MD, MPH, a leader in community health and advocacy, has been named the 2025 recipient of PAMED’s Community Voluntary Service Award.

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the 2025-2026 Commonwealth Budget. Unfortunately, as part of a last-minute budget agreement, there was a transfer from the Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) to the Pennsylvania General Fund of $100 million.

The Department of Human Services (Department) announces it will add Lynkuet (elinzanetant) capsule to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program's list of services and items requiring prior authorization.

The Statewide HIV Planning Group established by the Department of Health will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 and Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

PAMED has signed a joint letter urging Anthem Blue Cross to rescind its recently introduced policy titled Facility Administrative Policy: Use of a Nonparticipating Care Provider.

The Patient Safety Authority (Authority) announces a meeting of the Authority's Board to be held virtually by means of the Authority's webinar platform Zoom on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. and is open to the general public.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) strongly supports vaccines and other evidence‑based practices and has significant concerns about recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule that may affect the health and safety of millions of children.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) received regulation 16A-5146 State Board of Nursing Opioid Prescription and Education and Organ Donation Education. This regulation updates certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) continuing education to include requirements for pain management, identification of addiction, and prescribing/dispensing of opioids.

On August 27, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania amended Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 4003.6 to add commentary acknowledging the holding in Mertis v. Oh, 317 A.3d 529 (Pa. 2024).

The Department of Human Services (Department) is announcing its intent to increase the funding for a class of supplemental payments to qualifying acute care general hospitals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 that provide a substantial portion of their inpatient services to Medical Assistance beneficiaries.

The Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) has released its guide to the upcoming Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention election.

In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) Vice President Edward P. Balaban, DO, FACP, FASCO joined the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition and state legislators at the Capitol to advocate for increased awareness, education, and access to life-saving screenings.

On September 25, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled favorably, and unanimously, in a PAMED amici brief case, preserving an important legal standard concerning where a case will be tried.