State Rep. Kathy Rapp | Pennsylvania 65th Legislative District
State Rep. Kathy Rapp | Pennsylvania 65th Legislative District
Mar. 27, 2024
Rep. Kathy L. Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest), Republican chair of the House Health Committee, emphasized the importance of rural health care providers in light of the committee's approval of a bill banning non-compete agreements in health care employment contracts. Rapp expressed, “Our rural health care providers are already facing a workforce crisis.” She highlighted the value of non-compete clauses as tools for rural health systems to protect their investments in staff.
Regarding the amendment included in House Bill 1633, which exempts certain employers in sixth-, seventh- and eighth-class counties like Warren, Crawford, and Forest counties, Rapp stated, “I understand the intent behind this bill is to ensure doctors aren’t forced to uproot their families in more urban areas where there are plenty of health systems to choose from. However, in rural Pennsylvania, this is simply not the case.”
Additionally, the Health Committee approved several other bills and resolutions for consideration by the full House, including defining and creating a license for “virtual manufacturers” distributing prescription drugs, establishing a training program for nurse aides in long-term care facilities, and recognizing various health awareness weeks and months in Pennsylvania.
The efforts led by Representative Kathy Rapp of the 65th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives underscore the ongoing focus on healthcare issues and awareness initiatives in the state.