Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2173

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 By repealing certain outdated provisions related to radiologic procedures and the corresponding education and training, HB2173 intends to modernize the healthcare regulatory framework,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.

Latest PA HB2173 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB2173

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB536

Further providing for definitions and for genetic counselor.

PA SB535

Further providing for definitions and for genetic counselor.

PA HB2364

Further providing for definitions, for training and license required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1851

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in death and fetal death registration, further providing for information for certificates and for coroner referrals.

PA HB2070

Further providing for definitions, for training and license required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA SB981

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1853

PA HB1231

Further providing for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

PA SB454

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in applications and permits, further providing for permit and license application requirements; and making a repeal.

PA HB1733

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.