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Committee reports bill to create statewide stroke registry, but flags fiscal questions
Summary
Senate Bill 411 would create a statewide stroke registry requiring designated stroke centers to submit twice‑yearly data; the committee approved the bill as amended but members sought clarification on the Department of Health’s fiscal estimate versus the department’s internal projection.
The Pennsylvania House Health Committee voted to report Senate Bill 4 11 as amended, a bill that would create a statewide stroke registry to track performance at designated stroke care facilities.
Under the bill text summarized by committee staff Erica, the Department of Health may contract with a third‑party, evidence‑based registry vendor (for example, the American Heart Association) to receive, store and maintain facility stroke data. Designated facilities — described in the bill as comprehensive stroke centers, thrombectomy‑capable centers, primary stroke centers and acute stroke‑ready hospitals — would be required to provide data to the registry, which the Department of Health would publish twice yearly on its website. Amendment A01083 (offered by Representative Sanchez) added a definition for thrombectomy‑capable stroke centers and strengthened patient confidentiality and technical clarifications.
“Providing data to be used by health‑care providers including EMS personnel will increase the precision and provision of high‑quality stroke care,” Chair Rapp said, urging committee members to move the bill while noting divergent fiscal estimates.
Committee members questioned differing fiscal notes. The Senate fiscal note indicated no fiscal impact and that the Department of Health could accomplish the work with current staff and budget; department projections provided to the committee estimated approximately $345,000 in one‑time costs (about $200,000 for IT and $145,000 for a one‑time full‑time‑equivalent program administrator). Chair Rapp said she would like further clarification of the fiscal impact as the bill moves through the process.
The amendment defining thrombectomy‑capable centers and adding confidentiality protections was agreed to in committee. The roll call recorded 25 yeas and 1 nay; Senate Bill 4 11 passed the committee as amended and will be reported to the full chamber.
