Bill > SB903

This bill establishes a new continuing education requirement for healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania, focusing on alcohol and other drug addiction education. Starting November 1, 2025, physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, certified registered nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses will need to complete at least 10 hours of specialized education as part of their license renewal process. The required education will cover early warning signs of addiction, training on warm handoff procedures (a protocol for referring patients from emergency medical care to substance use disorder treatment), and guidance on support groups for individuals and families affected by addiction. Healthcare providers can be exempted from this requirement if they hold a temporary training license or are retired and only caring for immediate family members. Licensing boards may also grant waivers for serious illness, military service, or other hardships, with each waiver request evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The new education requirement will be implemented by the State Board of Medicine, State Board of Nursing, and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and does not replace existing continuing education requirements for these professionals.