Rep. Kathy L. Rapp, Republican chair of the House Health Committee, announced on Mar. 26 that two bills were approved by the committee this week but said both require further review before a vote on the House floor.
The first bill would create a commission to work with local nonprofits and vision care professionals in Pennsylvania to develop a statewide plan for providing follow-up vision exams and glasses to youth. The second bill would require hospital emergency departments to have an on-site emergency physician whenever they are open.
“I think it’s important for our students to have the tools they need to succeed in school, which, for some, includes access to vision care and eyeglasses,” Rapp said. “I also recognize there may be gaps in connecting students with follow-up vision services so they receive the care they need. But, given the Commonwealth’s current fiscal outlook, I am not sure if this is the appropriate time to be funding additional commissions, no matter how admirable the intent behind them may be. I supported the bill out of committee, but I will be taking a close look at any fiscal notes and weighing the overall need for this bill prior to its consideration on the House Floor.”
Regarding emergency department staffing requirements, Rapp said: “I supported this bill in committee, but I want to make it clear that I am not committing to supporting this bill on the floor.” She continued: “Under this bill, tele-ED services will be prohibited going forward for any hospital that experiences staffing shortages that they cannot address adequately. The guidance issued by the Department of Health a few years ago will essentially be rescinded. I feel this is shortsighted… The alternative, which is the possible closing of an ED unit or a hospital itself due to a lack of staffing, is a far worse outcome.”
Rapp has sponsored legislation designating bridges as memorials for veterans and securing markers honoring military service members according to her official website. She has also worked on measures eliminating veterans’ disability payments from income eligibility under property tax rebate programs according to her official website.
In addition to serving as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 65th Legislative District according to her official website, Rapp was Republican co-chair of the Pennsylvania House Pro-Life Caucus according to her official website. She resides in Warren with three children and seven grandchildren according to her official website.
Both pieces of legislation now move forward for consideration by the full House.
