Pennsylvania House Bill HB2173

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/26
• Refer: 2/27/26

Caption

Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

Impact

The enactment of HB2173 will have significant implications on the state's healthcare workforce by ensuring that the definitions and qualifications for roles such as prosthetists, orthotists, and radiologic assistants are current and correspond with today's industry standards. This bill is designed to eliminate ambiguities that previously made it difficult for professionals in these sectors to navigate licensing procedures, thereby potentially increasing the number of qualified practitioners available in Pennsylvania's healthcare system.

Summary

House Bill 2173 aims to refine the definitions and licensure regulations pertaining to various healthcare professionals, including respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, and professionals involved in medical imaging. The bill seeks to further clarify the qualifications required for these roles and simplify the processes for obtaining necessary licenses and certificates. By repealing certain outdated provisions related to radiologic procedures and the corresponding education and training, HB2173 intends to modernize the healthcare regulatory framework, ensuring it reflects current practices and technological advancements in the field.

Contention

While the bill appears largely technical in nature, there might be underlying tensions surrounding the implications of deregulating certain aspects of professional licensing. Stakeholders from various healthcare fields may express differing opinions on whether the repeal of specific educational requirements could lead to variations in the quality of care provided. Notably, some healthcare professionals may have concerns that the changes could diminish the rigor of training and credentials needed to practice effectively, thus raising questions regarding patient safety and service quality.