Ortitay Proposes Bill to Better Assess Stock of Health Care Equipment, Beds
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) recently introduced legislation to ensure the state has a complete accounting of health care equipment and beds available in all health care facilities statewide.
“This pandemic has brought to light some bookkeeping deficiencies that need to be addressed so we are better prepared in an emergency,” Ortitay said. “Many ambulatory surgical centers are stocked with the same equipment as hospitals since they perform elective procedures. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has had some difficulty assessing how much equipment is in these facilities. This is critical as we may need the equipment and beds during this COVID-19 pandemic and future medical emergencies.”
House Bill 2373 would require all health care facilities to report a list of health care equipment maintained by the facility as part of its annual licensure process. Additionally, when a disaster emergency is declared, all facilities would be required to report this information to the Pennsylvania Department of Health within 24 hours of the declaration.
The bill is expected to be referred to a committee soon.
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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