Winning Spirit Newsletter Fall 2010

HB 620, The Hemophilia Standards of Care Act Where We stand today

At the writing of this fall newsletter, HB 620, The Hemophilia Standards of Care Act is sitting idle in the Pennsylvania Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee where it has been since its unanimous passage in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on August 7, 2009. By the time you receive this newsletter, this legislative session will have come to a close.

Senator Pat Vance, Chair of that committee has communicated that she has concerns with the legislation and does not intend to bring HB 620 up for consideration in her committee this year. Therefore, HB 620 will have died, having never been considered in this committee or in the Pennsylvania Senate, as a whole. We had strong support from both committee members and the entire Senate and although we did not realize the passage of HB 620 in the Senate during this two-year legislative session, our collective efforts were not in vain.

We have been told that every member of the Senate is clear on what the bleeding disorders’ community needs and why we believe this medical standard of care is so important. You worked very hard to convey that message and your voices were heard by each Senate office.

We are now beginning to plan our efforts for the new, two-year legislative session, beginning in late January 2011. We have not forgotten the needs of our community and will evaluate our position on re-introduction after the November elections. We urge you to thank all members
of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives right now for their compassionate support, but most especially:

WE KNOW THAT WE DID A GREAT JOB WITH OUR GRASSROOTS EFFORTS AND MADE STEADY PROGRESS WITH THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE ALL ALONG THE WAY!

Stay Tuned!!

Call the Chapter office with ny questions!!! 215-393-3611