West Montgomery Times

The Pennsylvania state Senate has approved legislation that aims to eliminate regulations preventing patients from accessing information about diagnostic testing and services provided by local clinical laboratories. The bill, sponsored by Senators Rosemary Brown, Lynda Schlegel Culver, and Tracy Pennycuick, seeks to give patients the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

According to Senator Brown, the current regulations prevent patients from learning about clinical laboratories and the services they offer. She believes that patients deserve to know about their options when selecting a clinical laboratory for important tests and procedures. Senator Culver emphasizes that patients should have access to information about the services and procedures available at local clinical laboratories, as it enables them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The existing clinical laboratory regulations in Pennsylvania were adopted in the late 1960s and prohibit laboratories from advertising their diagnostic testing and services to the public. This restriction denies patients access to information about the availability of these services. Senator Pennycuick, another sponsor of the bill, believes it is time for Pennsylvania to catch up with the rest of the nation and enable patients to have access to this information.

Senate Bill 712, if passed by the state House of Representatives, would allow clinical laboratories in Pennsylvania to publicly advertise the availability of clinical diagnostic testing services. However, important consumer protections would still be maintained. The legislation would require a licensed physician's script for ordering diagnostic testing, ensuring that tests and procedures can only be performed based on a doctor's order.

Pennsylvania is currently the only state in the nation that prevents clinical laboratories from advertising directly to residents. Senator Pennycuick hopes that the House of Representatives will consider this legislation when they return to session.

The bill's sponsors are optimistic about its potential impact on patient care. Senator Brown, in support of the legislation, stated, "Patients deserve to know about their options when it comes to clinical laboratories and the services they provide." Senator Culver emphasized the importance of informed decision-making, saying, "I want to make sure patients can make informed decisions about where and how to obtain these important health services." Senator Pennycuick hopes that the bill will enable patients to have access to information while maintaining consumer protection provisions.

As Senate Bill 712 now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the potential changes to clinical laboratory regulations in Pennsylvania. The bill's sponsors, along with healthcare professionals and patients, eagerly await the outcome of this legislative process.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatorpennycuick.com/2023/09/18/senate-approves-bill-eliminating-regulation-that-denies-patients-access-to-information-about-laboratory-services/