Pennsylvania’s elected officials are examining — and addressing, to some extent — the trending topic of rural healthcare access.
At a recent public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, lawmakers reviewed technological innovations that could expand access to quality healthcare in rural areas.
The hearing was hosted by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Monongahela, and chaired by Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville.
Dr. Laura Dimino, assistant director for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, shared information about the challenges facing rural healthcare providers, noting that almost half or the commonwealth’s rural hospitals operated at a loss in 2023 and that more than 2 million Pennsylvanians must drive more than 20 minutes to get to a hospital.
Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health Director Lisa Davis, shared data on the workforce shortages affecting rural healthcare providers and talked about the seven-county maternity care desert of which McKean, Elk, Cameron, and soon Potter, are a part.
To offer potential solutions, Dr. Rob Kruklitis, executive vice president and chief clinical officer of The Guthrie Clinic, and Evan Hoffman, director of state and local government relations for Philips, both shared how their organizations have successfully implemented new uses for remote technology to support mothers and nurses.
Testifiers from the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance showcased developing technologies by Pennsylvania-based companies, such as using AI to diagnose respiratory illnesses like COPD and asthma, or the creation of a unique heart valve to address pediatric cardiac congenital defects.
Companies like Abridge have developed generative AI for clinical conversations, as well as policies that have attracted life sciences companies in states like North Carolina and Massachusetts.
“No one in Pennsylvania should be required to travel hundreds of miles to a major city to receive quality healthcare, yet that is the unfortunate reality for too many people,” said Argall. “Bringing these emerging technologies to all our hospitals in both rural and urban areas will save lives and benefit communities throughout the commonwealth.”
Bartolotta said, “The hearing was a great opportunity to learn about some of the technological advancements and innovations that are helping to remotely connect rural patients with both acute and long-term healthcare access. It was also encouraging to hear solutions that provide our isolated rural residents with accessible face-to-face medical care options. This was particularly important to me as I am the champion of Senate Bill 25, a solution that would expand access to high-quality health care by allowing qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners to practice independent of a physician.”
To address the issue, a bipartisan bill to attract healthcare workers to rural Pennsylvania passed the state House of Representatives this week that sponsors say will strengthen access across the commonwealth.
Republican and Democratic chairs of the House Health Committee, Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, and Dan Frankel, D-Pittsburgh, sponsored House Bill 157, aimed at reducing healthcare disparities in rural areas by providing grants in medically underserved areas or rural counties toward practitioners’ education debt.
The bill received unanimous committee approval on Feb. 5.
“Our rural healthcare providers are in crisis, facing persistent shortages that make it harder for Pennsylvanians to get the care they need,” Rapp said. “This bill is a common-sense solution that benefits both medical professionals and the communities they serve. By easing the financial burden on providers, we can encourage more of them to bring their skills to rural areas, ensuring better access to quality care.”
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, was among those in the House who approved of the bill.
“People in rural communities deserve access to quality healthcare without having to travel for hours to get it. It’s not just a matter of convenience but public safety,” Causer said. “One of the challenges facing our hospitals in providing that care is the ability to recruit physicians and other healthcare professionals to practice in areas like ours. This grant program would provide a valuable incentive to help.”
To be eligible under the proposal, licensed nurses, physicians, midwives, dentists and dental hygienists must:
Begin practicing at a rural hospital, Federally Qualified Health Center, rural health clinic or birth center within six months of accepting a position.
Work full-time (at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month).
Commit to working in the facility for a minimum of three years.
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Rapp said, “This bill alone will not solve the healthcare crisis. However, this program will be a valuable tool for both healthcare facilities and healthcare practitioners, and it will help fight the healthcare crisis in rural counties and designated medically underserved areas.”
