PA Medicaid

Advisory on Immigration Enforcement Activities in Healthcare and Social Services Facilities

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Aging issued a non-regulatory advisory informing healthcare and social services facilities that the federal DHS has lifted restrictions previously prohibiting immigration enforcement actions at protected locations including hospitals, clinics, shelters, and treatment facilities. The advisory provides information on HIPAA protections for patient health information, distinguishes between judicial and administrative warrants, and recommends that facilities develop written policies and procedures for responding to immigration enforcement agents.