The proposed legislation establishes the Office of Health Equity within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, aimed at reducing health disparities and addressing social determinants of health across the Commonwealth. The Office will be staffed by a director and support personnel, including an epidemiologist and a biostatistician. It will have various responsibilities, such as collecting data from public entities, seeking grants, developing public health strategies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. An annual report on health disparities will be prepared and made publicly accessible, ensuring that personal identifying information is protected.

Additionally, the bill creates the Health Equity Advisory Committee to provide guidance to the Governor and the Secretary of Health on addressing health disparities. The committee will consist of representatives from academia, the healthcare community, and disparate populations, and will evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken to eliminate health disparities. Public entities are required to cooperate with the Office by providing necessary data while adhering to confidentiality standards. The legislation also includes provisions to protect personal identifying information and outlines penalties for unauthorized disclosure of data.