Pennsylvania SB 1060: An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, in licensing of health care facilities, providing for veteran status screening of new patients.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1273
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 1060
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY PENNYCUICK, FARRY, BOSCOLA, J. WARD, FONTANA,
BARTOLOTTA, DUSH, COSTA, BAKER, STEFANO, MASTRIANO AND
MILLER, OCTOBER 24, 2025
REFERRED TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OCTOBER 24, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), entitled "An
act relating to health care; prescribing the powers and
duties of the Department of Health; establishing and
providing the powers and duties of the State Health
Coordinating Council, health systems agencies and Health Care
Policy Board in the Department of Health, and State Health
Facility Hearing Board in the Department of Justice;
providing for certification of need of health care providers
and prescribing penalties," in licensing of health care
facilities, providing for veteran status screening of new
patients.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known
as the Health Care Facilities Act, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 806.5. Veteran status screening of new patients.
(a) Duty.--A health care provider and a health care
practitioner shall screen a new patient for veteran status prior
to formally consulting with or providing treatment to the new
patient.
(b) Inquiry.--The screening of veteran status shall be
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conducted by asking the new patient the following inquiry:
Have you ever served in the United States military, armed
forces or uniformed services, including the Air Force, Army,
Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force, National Guard,
Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Association?
(c) Prohibition.--A health care provider or health care
practitioner may not deny care to a patient for refusal to share
information solicited under this section.
(d) Applicability.--This section shall not apply in an
emergency or life-threatening situation.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 180 days.
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