Aug. 27, 2020
HARRISBURG—Reps. K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks) and Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks) have co-sponsored legislation to require the establishment of a registry of medical directors in nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living facilities.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, medical directors and physicians who provide clinical care in post-acute and long-term care settings are more critical than ever,” Tomlinson said. “That’s why Pennsylvania must maintain a registry of these officials so we can use this physician resource in preparing for a pandemic.”
House Bill 2792, sponsored by Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks), would require maintenance of a registry of medical directors to be used by the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.
The legislators worked closely with Dr. Daniel Haimowitz, a nationally renowned expert in long-term care, past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Directors Association and founder of the Bucks Long-Term Care Consortium, in the development of this legislation.
“These medical directors have proven their worth during this challenging period at our nursing homes,” Schroeder said. “The registry will create a pool of medical experts who can help protect this vulnerable population.”
This registry would be of enormous value for public health agencies, not only during the current COVID-19 pandemic but also during any health crisis such as influenza, norovirus and other seasonal outbreaks along with other emergency uses.
In addition, the bill increases transparency as nursing home residents and their families would have a right to know the physician who is charged with the vital tasks of coordinating the medical care given in the facility.
Representative Kathleeen “K.C.” Tomlinson
18th District
Representative Meghan Schroeder
29th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com