Pennsylvania HR 292: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on menopause continuing medical education requirements and the preparedness of health care providers to provide care for women's health issues, including perimenopause and menopause.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2204
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 292
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SHUSTERMAN, WAXMAN, HILL-EVANS, GUENST, PIELLI,
RIVERA, HANBIDGE, SANCHEZ, PROBST, HOHENSTEIN, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ
AND BOYD, AUGUST 5, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, AUGUST 10, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on menopause continuing medical education requirements
and the preparedness of health care providers to provide care
for women's health issues, including perimenopause and
menopause.
WHEREAS, Menopause occurs when a woman has not menstruated
for 12 consecutive months, and the period leading up to
menopause is referred to as perimenopause; and
WHEREAS, Perimenopause and menopause are often accompanied by
symptoms, including sleep disturbances, brain fog, weight gain,
joint and muscle pain, increased risk of depression and anxiety,
hot flashes and night sweats, changes in sexual function,
changing cholesterol levels, vaginal and bladder complications
and osteoporosis; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately 1.3 million
women achieve menopause every year, at an average age of 51; and
WHEREAS, While menopausal symptoms may be alleviated or
treated with hormone therapy, prescription medication, strength
training and dietary and lifestyle adjustments, many women may
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not be aware of the treatment options or understand the
increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases; and
WHEREAS, In a study conducted by AARP, only approximately
half of women surveyed who were currently experiencing
perimenopause believe they are knowledgeable about menopause;
and
WHEREAS, The AARP study also notes that more than half of
women surveyed felt that there should be greater attention on
menopause education and women's health; and
WHEREAS, For many women who are soon to experience menopause,
they often first consult an older female relative, but also
expect to discuss menopause with their health care provider,
according to AARP; and
WHEREAS, Many women experiencing menopausal symptoms have had
their experiences dismissed by a health care provider as typical
stress, anxiety or other mood changes; and
WHEREAS, Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of
continuing medical education and training that medical students
and health care providers complete regarding menopause and
associated women's health issues; and
WHEREAS, Further, a survey of obstetrician-gynecologist
residents showed that they felt that they could benefit from
more information on menopause and related treatments for
menopausal symptoms; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives is committed to
ensuring that the health of women in this Commonwealth is
improved and that information on menopause is not only widely
available, but is promoted; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives is also committed to
ensuring that health care providers receive adequate training on
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women's health related to perimenopause and menopause; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a
report on menopause continuing medical education requirements
for health care providers in this Commonwealth; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study:
(1) Report on continuing medical education requirements
for health care providers, including physicians, physician
assistants, midwives and nurses who provide care for women
experiencing perimenopause or menopause.
(2) Make recommendations on actions that the Department
of Human Services, the Department of Health or other State
agencies could take to better meet the educational needs of
health care providers so that they may be able to better
provide care to women experiencing perimenopause or
menopause.
(3) Provide legislative recommendations that the House
of Representatives may pursue to increase health care
provider awareness of and education on women's health as it
pertains to perimenopause and menopause;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission report
its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives
no later than 18 months after the adoption of this resolution.
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