CANONSBURG – Technological innovations to expand access to quality healthcare in rural areas of Pennsylvania were reviewed during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee hosted by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and chaired by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) today.
“The hearing was a great opportunity to learn about some of the technological advancements and innovations that are helping to remotely connect rural patients with both acute and long-term healthcare access,” Bartolotta said. “It was also encouraging to hear solutions that provide our isolated rural residents with accessible face-to-face medical care options. This was particularly important to me as I am the champion of Senate Bill 25, a solution that would expand access to high-quality health care by allowing qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners to practice independent of a physician.”
The public hearing began with a presentation by Dr. Laura Dimino, the assistant director for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, about the serious challenges facing rural healthcare providers. Her testimony notes that almost half of Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals operated at a loss in 2023, and more than two million Pennsylvanians must drive more than 20 minutes to get to a hospital.
Lisa Davis, the director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, shared data on the workforce shortages affecting rural healthcare providers and the lack of maternity care in seven rural counties.
Dr. Rob Kruklitis, the executive vice president and chief clinical officer of The Guthrie Clinic, and Evan Hoffman, the director of state and local government relations for Philips, both shared how their organizations have successfully implemented new uses for remote technology to support mothers and nurses.
Testifiers from the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance showcased innovative technologies now under development by Pennsylvania-based companies. Satya Venneti, the CTO and co-founder of Telling AI, described her work to use AI to diagnose respiratory illnesses like COPD and asthma. Jamie Quinterno, the COO and co-founder of PECA Labs, outlined his work to develop a unique heart valve to address pediatric cardiac congenital defects.
Megan Shaw, the CEO and president of the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance, discussed companies like Abridge, which developed generative AI for clinical conversations, as well as policies that have attracted life sciences companies in states like North Carolina and Massachusetts.
“No one in Pennsylvania should be required to travel hundreds of miles to a major city to received quality healthcare, yet that is the unfortunate reality for too many people,” said Argall. “Bringing these emerging technologies to all our hospitals in both rural and urban areas will save lives and benefit communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
Video of the full event and written testimony can be found here.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Katrina Hanna (Bartolotta)