Bill Proposes to Channel State Funds to Non-Profit Health Care Clinics

Legislation that would establish a framework to provide state money to non-profit community-based clinics in underserved areas passed the state Senate and is now in the House Health Committee for consideration.

While strongly supporting the concept of free clinics and the charitable work of physicians across the state, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) has concerns with some provisions of the bill as currently drafted and has asked House Republican leadership to hold public hearings on the bill before any further consideration.

Senate Bill 5 would establish a “Community-Based Health Care Program” in the Department of Health (DOH) while also designating the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) as the administrator of the program for hospital clinics. We believe this legislation in many ways duplicates the DOH-administered Pennsylvania Community Primary Care Challenge Grant Program, which currently provides funding to community-based health care providers to expand access to primary care in federally designated shortage areas.

Among PAMED’s concerns are the bill’s lack of liability protection for physician volunteers and absence of a requirement for physician oversight of the clinics. As drafted, the proposal would fund clinics managed by advanced practice nurses.

Currently, no state funding is attached to the bill. PAMED is also concerned that SB 5 would add administrative costs to both the DOH and DPW budgets at a time when the state is trying to reduce spending.