Pennsylvania SB 965: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1105
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 965
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY CAPPELLETTI, COLLETT, SCHWANK, CULVER, BROWN,
SANTARSIERO, COSTA, KANE, HAYWOOD, L. WILLIAMS, TARTAGLIONE
AND BAKER, AUGUST 13, 2025
REFERRED TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AUGUST 13, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, providing for Maternal Health
Monitoring Pilot Program.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 54A
MATERNAL HEALTH MONITORING PILOT PROGRAM
Sec.
54A01. Definitions.
54A02. Establishment of pilot program.
54A03. Administration of pilot program.
54A04. Remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and
maternal diabetes requirements.
54A05. Duties of each managed care organization.
54A06. Implementation of program in counties.
54A07. Fee payment for administration of pilot program.
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54A08. Operation of pilot program.
54A09. Report.
54A10. Expiration of authority.
§ 54A01. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Clinical team." A group made up of nurses and dietitians
who:
(1) Monitor eligible participants' measurements.
(2) Provide nutrition guidance.
(3) Provide diabetes and hypertension condition
management counseling.
(4) Provide pregnancy and postpartum advice.
"Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
"Eligible participant." A patient who is:
(1) a recipient of medical assistance;
(2) a member of a participating managed care
organization; and
(3) pregnant.
"Escalation pathway." An agreement between the participating
managed care organizations and the selected vendor on a process
to follow when an eligible participant's measurements are
concerning and warrant further review and investigation.
"Health care provider." An obstetrician or maternal fetal
medicine physician who:
(1) is licensed in this Commonwealth;
(2) is in-network of the participating managed care
organization; and
(3) is caring for an eligible participant during
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pregnancy.
"Maternity care desert." An area that does not have any of
the following:
(1) A hospital providing obstetric care.
(2) A birth center.
(3) An obstetrician gynecologist.
(4) A certified nurse midwife.
"Participating managed care organizations." The managed care
organizations selected by the department under section 54A03
(relating to administration of pilot program).
"Pilot program." The Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot
Program established under section 54A02 (relating to
establishment of pilot program).
"Remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and
maternal diabetes." Technology provided by the selected vendor
that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The technology collects health data from an eligible
participant and electronically transmits that information
securely for interpretation and recommendation.
(2) The technology uses a device that meets all of the
following criteria:
(i) The device is compliant with 42 U.S.C. Ch. 7
Subch. XI Pt. C (relating to administrative
simplification).
(ii) The device is authorized by the United States
Food and Drug Administration.
(3) The technology monitors health data, including blood
pressure, weight, blood glucose levels or other physiologic
health data as determined by the eligible participant's
health care provider.
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(4) The technology is capable of transmitting health
data through cellular networks.
(5) The technology is preprogrammed, specific to each
participant and functions directly out of the box for the
participant.
"Selected vendor." The technology company selected by the
department to contract with the participating managed care
organizations in administering the pilot program.
"Technology." Cellular connected devices that deliver remote
patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal
diabetes such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters
and scales.
§ 54A02. Establishment of pilot program.
For fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, the Maternal Health
Monitoring Pilot Program is established within the department to
offer eligible participants improved maternal health care
through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and
maternal diabetes.
§ 54A03. Administration of pilot program.
The department shall select one or more managed care
organizations and one selected vendor to administer the pilot
program in a manner determined by the department.
§ 54A04. Remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension
and maternal diabetes requirements.
The s