Advocacy Correspondence: PA House Professional Licensure Committee, HAP Support for HB 1881 and HB 980

Email on behalf of Arielle Chortanoff

To:  House Professional Licensure Committee

Subject:  HAP Supports HB 1881 and HB 980

October 8, 2025

Dear Members of the House Professional Licensure Committee:

On behalf of more than 235 member hospitals and health systems, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) writes today in support of House Bill 1881 and House Bill 980 both sponsored by Representative Venkat.

House Bill 1881 (Pharmacist Administration of Immunizations)

HAP applauds efforts at the state level to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations in protecting and maintaining public health and prioritize vaccine access and availability for individuals and families seeking access. This includes actions taken by the State Board of Pharmacy to expand the list of competent authorities it looks to for vaccine recommendations, joining the Northeast Public Health Collaborative together with neighboring states, the issuance of new guidance by the Department of Health outlining organizations Pennsylvanians and their doctors may look to for vaccine recommendations, and most recently Governor Shapiro’s executive order outlining steps for state agencies to improve access.

Vaccine education and availability for those seeking access across the commonwealth’s rural, urban, and suburban centers is a top priority for hospitals in order to protect and preserve the health of Pennsylvanians so individuals and families remain in their homes and communities, and out of the hospital.

HAP supports House Bill 1881, Printer’s No. 2341, to preserve and enhance access and availability of recommended vaccinations throughout the commonwealth.

House Bill 980 (Updating Membership of the State Board of Pharmacy)

House Bill 980 makes changes to the composition of the State Board of Pharmacy by adding two new seats to include a second pharmacist who works in an acute care institution and a pharmacy technician.

HAP supports House Bill 980 and efforts to update membership of the State Board of Pharmacy to better reflect modern care delivery.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me or Sarah Lawver, senior director, state advocacy.

Sincerely,

Arielle Chortanoff
Vice President, State Advocacy

Download

Topics: Public Health, State Advocacy

Revision Date: 10/8/2025

Return to Previous Page