May. 22, 2020
HARRISBURG – In an effort to provide for the continued safeguarding of the health and welfare of Pennsylvania’s young people during the COVID-19 crisis, Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) has introduced legislation that would allow for an extension of waiver provisions for pediatric services in the Commonwealth.
Under
House Bill 2528, pediatric services are defined as all pediatricians and pediatric specialists, including dentists, therapists, trauma specialists and psychiatrists. They would be allowed to continue to practice while adhering to social distancing guidelines and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, child abuse reporting in Pennsylvania has dropped by 50%, but it is unlikely the crime is in decline,” said Toohil. “Pediatric health care providers are the number two reporters of child abuse. By allowing them to remain open, we are getting more eyes on our children and, in turn, ensuring that young people are not only healthier, but also safer.”
All health care and social assistance services have been deemed to be life-sustaining by the Wolf administration and were granted exemptions, allowing providers to remain open during the pandemic.
Toohil is currently seeking co-sponsors to her legislation.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives