Al Schmidt

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, including the Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act, non-compete agreements for healthcare providers, and the collection of healthcare data. The board also addressed consent agreements for multiple VRP cases, reports from prosecuting attorneys and board counsel, regulatory status reports, and applications for licensure. Additionally, there were reports on Senate Bill 887 regarding prescription labels, the FSMB Workshop, and health alerts from the Department of Health, including concerns about overdoses involving Medetomidine and the rise of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

The meeting included reports from prosecuting attorneys regarding consent agreements for multiple cases, with one agreement being rejected as too lenient. An update was provided by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) on their activities, including the COMLEX and COMVEX exams, clinical skills testing, and international recognition of DOs. The board also discussed licensure renewals, the replacement of the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), and regulations for physician assistants. Additionally, there were discussions on civil malpractice suits and the rationale for needing entire complaints versus face sheets.

The meeting included reports from prosecuting attorneys and board counsel, covering consent agreements and proposed adjudications. The Regulatory Status Report was reviewed, including changes to the Physicians Assistants Regulation. Legislative updates included Senate Bill 329 and House Bill 157. The Acting Commissioner reported on the inadvertent release of licensee street addresses and the implementation of the Medical Compact. The Department of Health discussed the threat of measles and the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The board also discussed and approved the 2026 Board Meeting dates and authorized a Petition for Exception to COMLEX-USA Attempt Limit Policy.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The Pennsylvania Primary Care Office (PCO) presented on their work with survey data to improve healthcare access in underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection. Consent agreements for multiple case numbers were approved. The board also approved and adapted the proposed report from the hearing examiner for a specific case. Regulations regarding education and volunteer services, including opioid education and organ donation, were discussed and motions were passed to adopt the PA Support Curriculum and release an exposure draft of a proposed annex. Additionally, a motion was passed to release an exposure draft for Physician Assistants, reflecting statutory amendments. The board also conducted elections for the positions of Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for the remainder of 2025, and addressed a petition for exception to the COMLEX-USA attempt limit policy, as well as approving a preceptor for a specific case.

The meeting included discussion of National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) updates, Medicaid renewals, and a presentation by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennie. The board also discussed the Expedited Partner Therapy Act and House Bill 758 regarding public employees and licensee training in social bias and cultural competence. The board ratified the committee's approval for the exception to COMLEX-USA Attempt Limit Policy for Tejash Patel and Breanna Thomas. The Department of Health released the State Health Improvement Plan 2023-2028.