Senate panel moves Bogen nomination for Pa. health secretary with no recommendation

HARRISBURG — A Senate committee voted to forward but not make any recommendation Tuesday on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s nominee as health secretary.

The Republican-led Health andHuman Services Committee voted unanimously on the motion by Committee Majority Chair Michele Brooks, RMercer, to make no recommendation on the nomination of Dr. Debra Bogen. Ms. Brooks said the move would send the nomination to the Senate Rules Committee and allow for more discussion about the matter.

Dr. Bogen has been serving as acting secretary since Mr. Shapiro nominated her last winter.

Committee Minority Chairman Art Haywood, DMontgomery, and Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, said Dr. Bogen deserved a favorable recommendation from the panel.

Ms. Brooks didn’t say why she made the motion for no recommendation.

Dr. Bogen, Allegheny County’s former department of health director, told the panel that her agency is working to update outdated state regulations concerning communicable and non-communicable diseases, hospitals and the state clean indoor air act. She said priorities for her department include mental health issues, maternal care, health care in rural areas.

Ms. Brooks said she is concerned about hospitals in rural areas closing.

Dr. Bogen said the department can’t stop the closures, but has a role in ensuring patient safety.

Mr. Haywood asked if the department has enough staffers to handle all its duties. Dr. Bogen said the agency has a small contingent of administrative staffers, which can make it harder to undertake the work of updating regulations.

In answer to a question from Sen. Frank Farry, RBucks, Dr. Bogen said the department is searching for a new director of the bureau overseeing emergency medical services.

The panel also voted to forward but make no recommendation on Mr. Shapiro’s nomination for human services secretary.