In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Department) modified the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records regulations (Part 2) to implement Section 3221 of the CARES Act, which required the Department to align Part 2 regulations more closely with the HIPAA regulations.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has issued an order concerning the Civil Procedural Rules Committee's required two-year anniversary review of the medical malpractice venue rule change.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there is a continuing national shortage of Bicillin L-A, following the voluntary recall by King Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer, of Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension) in July 2025.

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying travelers and others of a possible measles exposure at the following location: Philadelphia International Airport Terminal E Thursday, February 12th, 2026 from 1:35 pm to 4:30 pm

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.

The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services added Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel on December 16, 2025.

At WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, leadership is more than a title, it’s a calling. And few embody that calling more fully than Jyothy Punnoose, Do, whose compassionate leadership and advocacy have reshaped the hospital’s culture and elevated the standard of care across the region.

PAMED has been informed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) that DEA License suspensions have been issued to two providers at the same practice, which means the providers are currently unable to prescribe controlled substances.

In its first meeting of the year, the PAMED Board of Trustees reviewed several key business items.

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.

On Jan. 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unfavorably in a case in which PAMED, the AMA, and the Delaware and New Jersey Medical Societies joined together to file an amici brief. The case addressed the question whether a state law providing that a complaint must be dismissed unless it is accompanied by an expert affidavit may be applied in federal court.

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.

Extreme cold is forecasted for Pennsylvania from Tuesday, January 27 – Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, which continues to recommend routine immunization for protection against 18 diseases.

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.

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying travelers and others of a possible measles exposure.

Find out what to do with medical records when a physician retires or passes away.

The State Board of Pharmacy (board) amends its regulations to include child abuse reporting and training requirements.

After a 135-day budget stalemate, Pennsylvania lawmakers and Governor Josh Shapiro struck a bipartisan deal on a $50.09 billion spending plan for FY 2025-26.

The State Board of Nursing has worked with the DOH, State Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, organ procurement organizations, and other agencies to develop an approved curriculum for continuing education in organ donation which is now available for providers.

The Department of Human Services (Department) announces changes to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule.

Contributed by Marilyn Heine, MD, Member, AMA Board of Trustees, December 2025

PAMED recently received reports that people pretending to be from one of the health-related boards are contacting licensees by phone about their license.

Recently, PAMED submitted comments in response to requests for information issued by two different federal organizations, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission.

Drug overdose is a public health crisis. Dr. Baston realized how easily available technologies could be combined to provide safety from overdose for patients exposed to opioids.

The State Board of Pharmacy (Board) proposes to amend its regulations on licensure by endorsement and provisional endorsement license.

Richard Wender, MD, a trailblazer in public health and family medicine, has been named the 2025 recipient of PAMED’s Distinguished Service Award and highest honor.

The Trump administration recently issued an Executive Order (EO) addressing state-level artificial intelligence (AI) laws.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) recently hosted its hybrid House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, welcoming participants both virtually and in person.

Earlier today, PAMED and the AMA picked up a win in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on a case in which we had partnered to submit an amici curiae brief. In Wunderly v. St. Luke’s Hospital, et al., a divided Supreme Court determined that the Mental Health Procedures Act had been properly applied to provide St. Luke’s Hospital with immunity from suit under the facts of the case.

The Department of Health published the guidelines and fees that a health care provider or facility may charge in response to a request for production of medical charts or records.

Long before he wore a white coat, Matthew Simpson, MD understood the power of care, and he has spent his life making sure others feel it too. rowing up, he witnessed the impact of chronic illness on his family and neighbors, and how preventable conditions could worsen due to a lack of access to care, education, and resources.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is urging health care providers to remain alert for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) as AFM season approaches.

A message from incoming PAMED President, Arvind Cavale, MD, FACE, FCPP, PCEO

On May 12, 2023, the Department issued Bulletin OMHSAS-23-5, titled ''Confidentiality of Records Changes Due to Act 32 of 2022 and Aligning with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996'' to inform stakeholders of changes to the list of permissible disclosures and new definitions under the Act. The Department is issuing notice of proposed regulations to amend Chapter 5100 to align with Act 32 of 2022 and HIPAA requirements.

On December 5, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend individual-based decision-making 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.

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

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 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.

While the Pennsylvania Medical Society supports the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool in health care, it rejects the recent claims that AI as in health care is indistinguishable from a human being and can provide diagnostics as good as any physician

When Edith Mitchell, MD, left her home in rural Tennessee to attend college, she knew she wanted to make a difference, but had no idea where the path would lead.

The AMA, joined by PAMED and the Delaware and New Jersey medical societies, filed an amici curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on August 4, 2025 in the case of Berk v. Choy. Whether a state law providing that a complaint must be dismissed unless it is accompanied by an expert affidavit may be applied in federal court is the question before the court. Our brief argues that the state affidavit requirement should be applied in federal court.

Delegation Chair and Vice Chair, Jill Owens, MD and John Vasudevan, MD, led twenty-eight members of the Pennsylvania Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA) at the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates (HOD or the House) in Chicago from June 6 – 11, 2025.

Pennsylvania Poison Centers are seeing increased call volume around both kratom and 7-OH consumption. Unregulated products marketed as “Kratom” and “7-hydroxymitragynine” (aka 7-OH) are increasingly sold online, in smoke shops, and at gas stations.

With the completion of his psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University, Nathan Hoff, MD, MPH is not just looking ahead to his new role in adult outpatient psychiatry, he’s also reflecting on his journey on the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) Reference Committee.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) proudly announces the recipients of its annual Top Physicians Under 40 awards—recognizing the most exceptional early-career physicians who are making a profound impact in medicine.

The Superior Court recently ruled unfavorably in Dajah Hagans v. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, et al., a case in which PAMED and the AMA partnered on an amici curiae (“friends of the court”) brief. The case concerns the treatment that J.H., a now-seven-year-old boy, received at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (“HUP”) at the time of his birth. Specifically, the plaintiff, J.H.’s mother, alleged that a delayed C-section and late administration of antibiotics caused major negative health consequences for J.H.

Effective July 1, 2025, AmeriTrust Group, Inc., an affiliate brand of AF Group, will no longer directly service Pennsylvania Medical Society members. To better support the association members, we have appointed World Insurance Associates LLC as the exclusive agent for brokerage services -- AmeriTrust will remain the insurance carrier.

PHC4 releases Financial Analysis – Volume One, today. The first volume of a three-part series of financial reports published annually by PHC4. Volume One displays financial information from general acute care (GAC) hospitals licensed in Pennsylvania during fiscal year 2024 (FY24).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring safety labeling changes to all opioid pain medications to better emphasize and explain the risks associated with their long-term use.

Stay out of harm’s way when it comes to risk adjustment compliance. Granite GRC Consulting presents a series of monthly articles for the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s DOSE newsletter. This is the fourth article in the series.

On July 16, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) offered a proposed rule concerning the physician fee schedule and other Medicare payment policies. The rule, if adopted, will take effect January 1, 2026.

On September 5, 2025, the Trump Administration abandoned the defense of the federal noncompete ban, thereby killing the rule. The rule, if implemented, would have banned most noncompete agreements from employment contracts.

Recently, the Joint Underwriting Association (JUA), Pennsylvania’s medical liability insurer of last resort, generously shared with PAMED requested premium increased from select insurance providers. It is important to remember that these are requested increases, not approved increases. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has yet to respond to any of these requested increases.

Recently, in a three-to-two vote, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved a final rule that will ban noncompete clauses for workers nationwide except in limited circumstances. This rule will take effect 120 days following its publication in the Federal Register. The date of publication in the Federal Register is not known at this time.

Stay out of harm’s way when it comes to risk adjustment compliance. Granite GRC Consulting presents a series of monthly articles for the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s DOSE newsletter. This is the last article in the series.

On January 3rd, 2024, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing Final Rule which is commonly referred to as HTI-1 (ONC, 2024b)

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) passed a resolution aimed at removing barriers for health care professionals who wish to wear religious headgear, such as hijabs, in the operating room (OR). This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity and diversity within the medical field.

Sexual Assault Victim Emergency Services Regulation Listing of Hospitals That May Not Provide Emergency Contraception and Hospitals That May Not Provide Any Sexual Assault Emergency Services

In accordance with Executive Order 1996-1, all agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction publish semi-annual agendas of regulations under development or consideration. The most recent agenda, current as of July 1, 2025, was published on Aug. 9, 2025.

The Patient Safety Authority (Authority), established by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act, will have a virtual Board meeting at 1 PM on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Find out what to do with medical records when a physician retires or passes away.

Edward P. Balaban, DO, FACP, FASCO, FCPP, a Montgomery County physician specializing in hematology and oncology, was elected vice president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society by a statewide group of physicians.

Pennsylvania Poison Centers are seeing increased call volume related to both kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) consumption. These products lack clinical safety data and put consumers at risk of significant harm, including toxicity and developing dependence.

Spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR), including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), are tickborne diseases commonly seen in PA in May through August.

On March 1st, 2024, according to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, more than 276,000 households, businesses, schools, and libraries do not have access to broadband internet (PBDA, 2024a).

The Statewide HIV Planning Group, will hold a public meeting in Harrisburg, PA on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

PAMED has partnered with the American Medical Association (AMA) on an issue brief to support expanded access to naloxone, a medication proven to reverse opioid overdoses when administered in time. The collaboration comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce overdose deaths nationwide.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has continued to adopt different functionalities of Artificial Intelligence. As telemedicine and virtual care have been at the forefront of technology during the pandemic, Artificial Intelligence’s utilization in healthcare has exploded as well.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) is proud to announce Ada-Nkem Emuwa, MD, MPH as the recipient of its 2025 Community Voluntary Service Award, honoring her unwavering dedication to advancing health care, promoting diversity, and supporting underserved communities through advocacy and service.

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, September 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. and is open to the general public.

A new legislative effort is underway to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to essential vaccines—regardless of changes in federal guidelines.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) wholeheartedly supports Governor Josh Shapiro’s comments made during his recent budget address, which highlighted the growing issue of private equity's negative impact on healthcare and patient care in the Commonwealth.

A late summer increase in COVID-19 activity in Pennsylvania is occurring. Based on national respiratory virus surveillance, test positivity for COVID-19 in PA has increased sharply in the past three weeks.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Pennsylvania Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine (collectively, “Boards”) voted in support of the issuance of guidance on immunizations by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

The Pennsylvania Medical Society created the following principles on Maintenance of Certification during the 2014 House of Delegates:

On July 28, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is inviting public comment to “better understand how consumers may have been exposed to false or unsupported claims about ‘gender-affirming care’ (GAC), especially as it relates to minors, and to gauge the harms consumers may be experiencing.” The 60-day comment period runs through September 26, 2025.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Penn State’s Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research recently held a webinar titled Rewriting the Story: Talking About Substance Use Disorder With Care.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals that there is a nationwide voluntary recall and subsequent near-term stockout of Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®)

A message from the PAMPAC's Chair...

Stay out of harm’s way when it comes to risk adjustment compliance. Granite GRC Consulting presents a series of monthly articles for the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s DOSE newsletter. This is the first in the series.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a series of meetings to determine new recommendations that could significantly impact vaccine protocols.

On August 20, 2025, PAMED joined the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) and 16 other concerned organizations in the filing of an amicus brief arguing to maintain fairness in the allocation of lawsuit judgment awards.

The Renal Disease Advisory Committee established by the Renal Disease Treatment Act will hold its quarterly public meeting on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

With the signing of the American Relief Act, 2025 on December 21, 2024, these Medicare telehealth waivers were extended through March 31, 2025. (CMS, 2025.

Upcoming DOH committee meetings

Growing up in a medical family, Mona Syeda Masood, DO, always knew she would become a physician.

Stay out of harm’s way when it comes to risk adjustment compliance. Granite GRC Consulting presents a series of monthly articles for the Pennsylvania Medical Society members. This is the second article in the series.

The transfer of $200 million from the Pennsylvania Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) to the general fund of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was completed on August 13, 2025. The $200 million consisted entirely of unspent premiums collected from Pennsylvania physicians and appreciation from investment of those funds.

After a 1-year term as vice-president and president-elect, Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD a board-certified diagnostic radiologist in Philadelphia, has been inaugurated as the 175th President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED).

Stay out of harm’s way when it comes to risk adjustment compliance. Granite GRC Consulting presents a series of monthly articles for the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s DOSE newsletter. This is the fifth article in the series.

In the field of medicine, there are two primary types of practice settings: corporate and private. Over the years, corporate practices, such as hospitals and hospital-owned entities, have become increasingly popular, resulting in a decline in smaller, private medical practices.

by Elhaam Jawadi

Sanofi US has announced a broad expansion of its Insulins Valyou Savings Program by offering a 30-day supply of any Sanofi insulin for $35 to all patients in the US with a valid prescription.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has identified recent sustained increases in tick bite-related emergency department visits in nearly all regions of the state.

Earlier this week, Senator Cris Dush (Cameron County) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 125. SB 125 is a Joint Resolution to provide amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution to give the Pennsylvania General Assembly the authority to legislate venue and pass laws that can return common sense to venue selection in Pennsylvania.

Earlier this week, PAMED and the AMA filed an amici curiae (friends of the court) brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of the effort of the Pennsylvania Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) to have the Supreme Court review its case against Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

FDA Grants Marketing Authorization of First Home Test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis

As many know, the telehealth flexibilities were extended through September 30, 2025, due to a continuing resolution.

PAMED has heard from members who have been affected by a recent cybersecurity attack against Change Healthcare, the claims processing platform for Optum.

article by Merchant Advocate, PAMED Partner

On July 30, 2025, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued an encouraging venue-related ruling in Somerlot v. Jung. The court upheld a contractual forum selection clause that limited any lawsuit to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, thereby thwarting the Plaintiffs’ effort to have the case heard in uber-plaintiff-friendly Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued guidance for the upcoming respiratory season, including vaccination guidance, surveillance tools, outbreak management resources, and reporting requirements for health care providers to use to help protect Pennsylvanians during the respiratory virus season.

PAMED is proud to announce a new partnership with Saint Joseph’s University. The agreement is twofold, including a tuition discount and the ability to earn CME credits through PAMED.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) firmly supports the belief that physicians should be the leaders of health care teams, advocating for a collaborative approach that prioritizes patient safety and high-quality care.

Yet another change concerning the new federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements has been announced.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) strongly supports vaccines and other evidence-based practices that protect public health and prevent disease.

As we head into the dog days of summer, PAMPAC continues working to increase physician engagement in the political process. As we have discussed previously, PAMED’s legislative advocacy efforts rely on the “behind the scenes” work PAMPAC does in the “political advocacy” space. Without a strong political voice, working to achieve legislative goals becomes increasingly more difficult.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued updated guidance for work exclusion for health care personnel with confirmed or suspected respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19 and influenza.

This week, the Board of Trustees held their May 2024 meeting, with both in person and virtual participants.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society stands as a staunch advocate for the use of science and data to ensure physicians’ have the best information available to treat patients and provide the highest quality of care within the Commonwealth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its immunization schedules to apply individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination and now recommends toddlers receive the varicella vaccine as a standalone immunization.

As a resolute champion of leveraging science and data to ensure public health and well-being, the Pennsylvania Medical Society opposes the recent Presidential directive to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

In March of 2025 we received a near 11th hour reprieve in the form of H.R. 1968 (2025) that provided the extension of telehealth flexibilities through September 30th, 2025. Many of us had hoped for a similar reprieve this time around, but, unfortunately, that has not come to pass as no additional legislation addressing telehealth was passed prior to the government shutdown.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) is proud to announce Richard Wender, MD as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon PAMED members. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Wender’s unwavering commitment to advancing primary care, public health, and health equity while shaping the future of medicine through groundbreaking initiatives and compassionate leadership.