As the state’s Health Department unveils a contact tracing app for smartphone users to help monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus, state lawmakers advanced legislation this week to ensure privacy and provide access to the necessary broadband capabilities in underserved parts of the commonwealth.

State-licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns will be able to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines when they become available thanks to new guidance through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated guidance for when skilled nursing facilities can reopen to visitors and when they should test their staff and residents for COVID-19.

Saying the COVID-19 pandemic has made the issue more important than ever, Gov. Tom Wolf called on the general assembly to pass legislation for paid sick and family leave time.

The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County will receive $803,306 in grant funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development Office of Technology and Innovation.

To help create more family practice and internal medicine doctors, St. Luke’s University Health Network said it is offering a nearly free medical school education for a select group of students who seek degrees in those specialties.

The company has received 510(k) clearance for its SpaceStation MRI, which allow Space infusion pumps to continuously deliver medications to patients within an MRI suite.

Lehigh Valley Health Network said it is offering the first Concussion and Head Trauma Program in the Pocono region.

KidsPeace has launched a program at its Orefield campus designed to help teen boys with severe behavioral challenges caused by significant trauma in their lives.

Reading Hospital – Tower Health received a $469,810 State Opioid Response grant aimed at providing enhanced treatment to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder, including those who are uninsured.