Healthesystems attended the April 14th meeting of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, where members received an update on Senate Bill 1215, a proposal addressing reimbursement for topical and dermatological medications.

The bill has not received a formal hearing and is unlikely to advance after a scheduled committee vote to move the bill was canceled due to stakeholder concerns that the proposed $240 reimbursement cap for topical drugs was too low.

The Council voted to send a general communication to the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, acknowledging that the issue warrants legislative attention, without endorsing specific provisions or taking a position on reimbursement levels.

The Council also received operational updates from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, including progress of the 2025 Medical Accessibility Study and physician participation in the Independent Rating Evaluation (IRE) program. Bureau staff reported that the injured worker survey phase of the Medical Accessibility Study is concluding, with provider and carrier surveys expected in the coming weeks. Outreach is being conducted through email communications and WCAIS alerts.

The Bureau also confirmed there is currently no shortage of IRE physicians, despite a gradual decline in participation and increased regional travel by some providers. Efforts to expand physician participation are ongoing.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2026.