Dauphin News

The Senate Majority Policy Committee will be conducting a public hearing on rural health care in Pennsylvania on February 14th, 2024. The hearing, which will take place at Penn Highlands Mon Valley in Monongahela, aims to address the challenges facing rural health care and explore potential solutions to ensure continued access to quality care for the public. Senator Camera Bartolotta, the committee member, announced the details of the hearing.

During the hearing, representatives from various rural health care provider institutions and organizations will provide their testimonies. They will shed light on the issues that threaten the sustainability of rural health care in Pennsylvania. The committee hopes to gain insights into the strategies that can be implemented to overcome these challenges and ensure that rural communities have access to the health care they need.

One of the topics to be discussed is Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Senator Bartolotta. The bill aims to expand access to high-quality health care by granting qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNPs) the ability to practice independently of a physician. This legislation has the potential to address the shortage of physicians in rural areas and improve access to care for residents.

The public hearing will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. This allows for wider participation and engagement in the discussion surrounding rural health care. The committee hopes that by sharing this important conversation with the public, they can generate awareness and support for the issues at hand.

In preparation for the hearing, Senator Bartolotta emphasized the significance of addressing the challenges faced by rural health care. She stated, "It is crucial that we shine a light on the issues threatening the sustainability of rural health care in Pennsylvania. By working together and exploring innovative solutions, we can ensure that our rural communities have access to the high-quality care they deserve."

As the hearing approaches, the committee encourages individuals and organizations with an interest in rural health care to participate. The insights and perspectives shared during the hearing will play a vital role in shaping future policies that aim to improve and sustain rural health care in Pennsylvania.

For more information about the hearing, interested parties can contact Katrina Hanna at 717-787-1463. The livestream of the hearing will be available on the committee's website for those who are unable to attend in person.

The Senate Majority Policy Committee's public hearing on rural health care presents an opportunity to address the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality care. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the committee aims to explore strategies and legislation that can help sustain and improve health care in rural Pennsylvania.