Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1002

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 5/8/24
• Report Pass: 6/24/24
• Engrossed: 6/25/24
• Refer: 6/26/24
• Refer: 6/27/24
• Report Pass: 7/9/24
• Enrolled: 7/10/24
• Chaptered: 7/10/24
• Passed: 7/10/24

Caption

Making appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in support of the professional licensure boards assigned thereto.

Impact

The passage of SB1002 is significant as it directly affects the administration and operational capabilities of key healthcare regulatory bodies in the state. By securing funding for these boards, the bill enables sustained oversight and enforcement of professional standards within various health-related professions. This financial support is crucial for maintaining public health and safety, as it allows these boards to fulfill their roles in regulating licenses, investigating complaints, and ensuring compliance with state laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 1002 aims to make appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and other restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to support the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. This bill specifically allocates funds necessary for the operation of various professional licensure boards such as the State Board of Medicine, State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and State Board of Podiatry for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The total appropriation amounts to approximately $74.48 million, which is intended to ensure that these boards can effectively carry out their regulatory functions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1002 appears to be overwhelmingly positive among legislators, with unanimous support reflected in the voting history. The House Appropriations Committee reported the bill as committed without any opposition during its voting session. This suggests a consensus among members of the legislature on the importance of maintaining robust funding for professional licensure boards, highlighting a collective view of the bill as a necessary measure for safeguarding professional standards within the healthcare sector.

Contention

While SB1002 has garnered strong support, discussions in the legislative sessions could potentially raise concerns regarding the adequacy of the budget allocations set out in the bill. Notable points of contention may revolve around the sufficiency of the appropriations for addressing the operational needs of the various boards, particularly in times of increasing demands and challenges in the healthcare industry. Proponents may argue for further increases in appropriations to ensure that all intended functions are adequately funded, thereby avoiding any potential backlog or inefficiencies.