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Pennsylvania’s Public Health Law to Be Updated

Much of Pennsylvania’s public health law dates back to the 1950s or earlier, but a resolution adopted by the state Senate on Jan. 16, 2008, may change that. 

Senate Resolution 194 instructs the Joint State Government Commission to create a task force to review, update, and codify the state’s public health law. “Codification” is defined in the resolution as “revising and restating statutes into a concise code of law that is clear, consistent and organized.” 

Pennsylvania's public health law is mostly contained in Purdon's Title 35 (Health and Safety). The title addresses concerns such as health care facilities, health care cost containment, confidentiality of HIV-related information, cancer, the age of consent for health services, and procedures for rape victims.  

Public health law also is scattered throughout other titles, old case law, and state and local regulations, according to the resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). Much of the law predates modern public health issues. 

The task force will consist of two Senate members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two Senate members appointed by the Senate minority leader. It will create an advisory committee composed of experts on public health law.  

The task force and advisory committee will develop legislative recommendations to update and codify the public health law. The Medical Society anticipates there will be opportunities for physicians to comment and participate.