Legislation Establishing Moratorium on Proposed Closure of Polk and White Haven State Centers Passes House Health Committee

Harrisburg, December 17, 2019 – State Senators John Yudichak (I-14), Michele Brooks (R-50), Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Lisa Baker (R-20) announced today that the House Health Committee passed Senate Bill 906 by a vote of 13-12. The bill establishes a moratorium on the proposed closure of Polk and White Haven State Centers.

“Today we are one step closer to giving the people who live at Polk and White Haven State Centers what they deserve – a choice to remain in the place they call home. We appreciate House Health Committee Chair Rapp for bringing this bill that protects our most vulnerable citizens up for consideration. We continue to be their voice in Harrisburg and will not be silenced until we save these centers.”

SB 906 would do the following:

  • Prohibit the Department of Human Services from closing a state facility until all Medicaid waiver-eligible individuals in the Commonwealth are authorized to begin receiving home and community-based services.
  • Require DHS to provide notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin when all individuals have received authorization to begin home and community-based services.
  • Establish the Task Force on the Closure of State Centers upon publication of notice.
  • Require the Secretary of DHS to convene an initial meeting of the task force within 60 days.

The bill will be considered by the full House next.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Carly Simpson – 717-787-7105

Brad Hurley – 570-325-3274

 

 

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