Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB730

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

In health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

Impact

The enactment of SB 730 will significantly impact existing state laws by enhancing the legal recognition of POLST forms. This legislation allows personalized medical orders that can be honored across different health care facilities, thereby ensuring that patients’ end-of-life care preferences are respected. Importantly, the bill repeals certain provisions related to advisory committees, indicating a shift toward more direct and simplified regulations surrounding life-sustaining treatment orders.

Summary

Senate Bill 730, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, amends Title 20 concerning health care by establishing a framework for Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). The bill aims to streamline the process for individuals to dictate their health care wishes when they become unable to communicate due to medical conditions. Its provisions cover the applicability, definitions of involved parties, and procedures for revocation, emphasizing the need for clear medical orders that reflect patients' desires across various health care settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 730 appears to be largely positive among health care advocates, who see it as an important step toward empowering patients to have direct control over their health care decisions. Supporters argue that the bill helps overcome many limitations associated with traditional advance health care directives, providing immediate and actionable directives in emergency situations. However, some concerns were raised regarding the potential implications for vulnerable populations and the challenges of ensuring informed consent.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions surrounding SB 730 include the distinction between POLST forms and traditional advance health care directives. Critics worry that this new framework might complicate existing health care regulations and could lead to misunderstandings about patients' wishes, especially among those with chronic conditions. Furthermore, there are discussions about ensuring that health care providers fully understand and comply with POLST orders to prevent any lapses in adhering to patients' expressed end-of-life preferences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1254

In health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment; and making an editorial change.

PA HB2134

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for State Fire Commissioner; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for scope of chapter, for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice, for award of grants and for consolidation incentive, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for Fire Company Grant Program and for Emergency Medical Services Company Grant Program, repealing provisions relating to additional funding and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, providing for hazardous materials and specialty funding, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, providing for Hazardous Materials Team and Specialty Team Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA SB623

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1022

Further providing for definitions and for drug overdose medication.

PA HB453

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing fordefinitions relating to intrastate mutual aid; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1261

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies; and, in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA HB1491

In emergency medical services system, further providing for declaration of policy, for definitions, for emergency medical services system programs and for duties of department; establishing the State EMS Advisory Board; and further providing for emergency medical services patient care reports, for funding, for notification of trauma center closure, for State Advisory Board, for regional emergency medical services councils, for comprehensive plan, for contracts and grants and for scholarships for recruitment, training and retention.

PA HB711

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in exemptions, applicability and penalties, further providing for exemptions.

PA HB2238

In emergency medical services system, further providing for support of emergency medical services.

PA HB33

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in practitioners, further providing for pr actitioner registration; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking and for laboratory; and, in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.