PAMED News

The Health Care Cost Containment Council (Council) has scheduled the following meetings:

Hospitals that decide they may not provide emergency contraception due to a stated religious or moral belief contrary to providing this medication are required to give notice to the Department of Health (Department) of the decision.

The Statewide HIV Planning Group, established by the Department of Health (Department) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

Under the current federal administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) has lifted restrictions that previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from carrying out immigration enforcement actions.

Pennsylvania held special elections on February 24, 2026, to fill vacancies in the state House of Representatives.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) strongly opposes the recent rescinding of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding; an action that removes a critical federal safeguard designed to protect the public from pollution and threatens public health.

This announcement provides advance notice that the Department of Human Services (Department) intends to continue to make Medical Assistance Day One Incentive (MDOI) payments to qualified nonpublic nursing facilities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026.

On February 3, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address to the General Assembly, outlining his proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27.

On January 30, 2026, the Pennsylvania Health Department (DOH) identified five confirmed cases of measles in Lancaster County. These are the first cases to be identified in Pennsylvania for 2026.

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of our colleague, Dr. Virginia Hall, former Board Chair of The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for 9 years and trustee for 24 years.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing a fourth extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through December 31, 2026.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly returns to session at the end of January, with both the House and Senate meeting the week of January 26th. As we look ahead to the 2026 Pennsylvania legislative landscape it is clear it will be dominated by elections.

Regulatory updates and notices for new policies and open comment periods.

Regulatory updates from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Regulatory Updates from Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to recognize Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day™ on Friday, January 23, 2026. This day honors the professionals who ensure physicians and healthcare teams remain informed, competent, and equipped to deliver high quality patient care.

After a 1-year term as vice-president and president-elect, Arvind R. Cavale, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist serving Bucks County, has been inaugurated as the 176th President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED).

Comment periods are open for several federal department regulations and decisions.

For the first time in its 178-year history, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) has elected a woman to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Lorraine Rosamilia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Centre County, PA, will lead the organization’s governing body.

Jocelyn Fitzgerald, MD is leading a quiet revolution that is reshaping how we understand, value, and deliver women’s health care. As a urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, she is not only treating complex pelvic floor disorders but also challenging the systemic inequities that have long plagued women’s health.