PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB657

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB657

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for regulations.

Impact

If passed, SB657 will significantly influence the statutory framework governing residential services provided under state-funded programs. By placing a clear emphasis on maximizing the various settings where individuals can receive care and services, the bill seeks to promote individual choice and enhance service availability. Notably, it restricts the Department from imposing additional requirements on these services beyond the minimum standards set forth by federal law, thereby aligning state regulations more closely with federal guidelines for better compliance and operational consistency.

Summary

Senate Bill 657 addresses amendments to the Human Services Code by elaborating on the powers and duties regarding licensing and regulations within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services. The bill aims to enhance the flexibility and autonomy of individuals receiving services funded by home- and community-based waivers. In particular, it emphasizes the need for the department to collaborate with various stakeholders, including industry representatives and consumers, in developing and adopting regulations pertaining to residential services, adult day care, and vocational services.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB657 appears to be cautiously positive, with supporters highlighting its potential to improve the quality of care for individuals by giving them more options regarding their living arrangements and the services they wish to receive. However, there may be contentious points raised by stakeholders who are concerned about how these changes could affect the regulatory landscape of existing services and whether they might lead to inconsistencies in service delivery across the state. Stakeholders may express the need for more robust safeguards to ensure that the quality of care is maintained.

Contention

A notable point of contention is likely the balance between promoting individual choice and ensuring consistent quality and oversight in service provision. As the Department is encouraged to avoid excessive regulation, there may be concerns among providers and advocates about the potential risks associated with reducing regulatory parameters. Furthermore, the amendments mandate amendments to existing regulations to enhance compliance with the new provisions, which might face resistance from various interest groups worried about implementing rapid changes.

Latest PA SB657 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB657

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2432

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for regulations.

PA HB1766

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for regulations and for violation and penalty.

PA SB520

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, providing for prelicensure waiver of physical site requirements and further providing for regulations and for rules and regulations for personal care home and assisted living residences.

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB819

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for food allergy guidelines.

PA HB1746

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1002

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for inspection for continuing conformity to license.

PA HB973

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1600

In children and youth, further providing for availability of services, providing for purposes, further providing for payments to counties for services to children, for review of county submissions and for statistics and assistance for research, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices and further providing for study of delinquents and recommendations to courts; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice.

PA HB1767

In State institutions in the Department of Public Welfare, providing for reporting allegations of abuse; in departmental powers and duties as to supervision, further providing for definitions; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions, for fees and for right to enter and inspect and providing for inspection of out-of-home placements for youth adjudicated delinquent.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.