Brooks Resolution to Strengthen Rural Hospitals and Healthcare Access Passes Senate, Securing Funding for Rare Disease Search Tool

HARRISBURG - A resolution sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) to examine the financial impact of outdated regulatory burdens on healthcare was approved by the Senate and will now be implemented.

Senate Resolution 397 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee - a bipartisan research and oversight committee of the General Assembly - to examine outdated hospital regulations that create barriers to patient care and increased costs for healthcare, as well as challenges reducing access to physicians in rural communities.

"This resolution continues my work to protect patient safety, while working to ensure our hospitals remain in our communities, and those families living in rural Pennsylvania have access to quality, doctor-led healthcare," said Brooks. "Through conversations with hospital leaders, physicians and rural health experts, I have heard firsthand about the redundant and burdensome regulatory challenges and paperwork facing our healthcare providers and the families who depend on them."

The study builds on Brooks' ongoing efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania's hospitals and preserve access to local healthcare. Those efforts include helping secure emergency funding for hospitals throughout Pennsylvania facing staffing and financial pressures, supporting investments in local hospital services and advancing legislation to strengthen oversight of hospital mergers and acquisitions. Brooks has helped secure funding for the Rural Health Redesign Center, which works to help rural hospitals remain financially sustainable and develop innovative approaches to delivering healthcare in rural communities, and has also addressed the unique needs of rare disease patients, who face significant delays in diagnosis, with nearly 45% of patients waiting over two years for a diagnosis and many seeing five or more specialists.

"Whether it is a parent seeking care for a sick child, a senior managing a chronic condition or a family facing a search for a diagnosis in the case of a rare disease, Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality healthcare no matter where they live. Protecting that access to care, and preserving the doctors needed to provide that care, will continue to be one of my priorities," said Brooks

Temporary regulatory waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how greater flexibility could help healthcare providers respond to patients' needs quicker while maintaining patient safety. Brooks has continued to push for reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, including sponsoring legislation passed by the Senate, requiring state agencies to review their own regulations for economic impacts on businesses, providers and families after three years, as well as legislation providing for alternative resolution of disputed inspection findings of hospitals by the Department of Health.

"Every dollar spent navigating unnecessary paperwork and regulatory requirements is a dollar that cannot be used to care for our patients and our loved ones, support our healthcare workforce, invest in services or keep hospital doors open," said Brooks. "We must do everything we can to ensure families have access not just to healthcare, but to quality care from doctors they know and trust. This resolution is another step toward protecting our rural hospitals and making sure our children and grandchildren can continue to receive the care they need close to home."

Brooks' efforts to improve access to care include funding she secured for the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC) to create a database that identifies specialized institutions and supports groups for rare diseases. This innovative resource will help to alleviate the struggles often faced by rare disease patients and families, offering them a crucial lifeline in their fight for a better quality of life.

"I've spoken to so many people who have been searching for years as to why their health is declining," said Brooks. "It is my hope that this search tool saves precious time for rare disease patients. The sooner a diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin, the better the outcome."

Marie Conley, co-chair of PARDAC, applauded Brooks' involvement in supporting the rare disease community.

"For those living with rare diseases, the commitment of leaders like Sen. Brooks are not merely symbolic, they reinforce that their experiences matter, their voices are heard, and that there are people willing to work together on their behalf," said Conley. "A $300,000 grant, secured by Sen. Brooks, has enabled PARDAC to initiate the development of a centralized database for rare diseases. This vital resource will connect patients with specialized care and support services throughout the state."

Pennsylvanians seeking information about rare diseases and available resources can visit their website.

CONTACT: Adam Gingrich