The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council held a public meeting on July 21st, where Council members discussed three active issues that could affect pharmacy reimbursement, statutory provider definitions, and medical accessibility reporting. What follows are key updates.

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1215, which addresses reimbursement for dermatological medications, is currently pending before the Senate. No substantive concerns were raised, and the Senate is expected to reconvene in late September, with a path forward likely depending on summer and fall session discussions.

The 700 Pharmacy v Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fee Review Hearing Office court case decision found that pharmacies were not included in the statutory definition of “health care provider.” Council members viewed the issue as a statutory drafting gap and discussed a possible 2027 legislative fix. However, no formal action was taken. A Council co-char plans to draft corrective language for review.

A draft report of the 2025 Medical Accessibility Study is expected in September, with Council review and voting anticipated in October. Bureau Director Marianne Saylor noted lower survey participation this year, particularly among carriers, and members questioned whether lower response rates could affect reliability, but findings are still expected this fall.

The next Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for October 20th.