Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor

Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor

Says bill will help ensure PA benefits from economic boom from 2026 World Cup

Rep. Frank Burns    July 2, 2025

HARRISBURG, July 2 – As the state prepares to host major international sporting events within the next 12 months, state Rep. Frank Burns in his role as majority chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee is ensuring that the visiting teams are able to medically treat their players.

Burns’ bill designed to do just that is headed to the governor’s desk after unanimously passing both the House and Senate. Under the bill, traveling team osteopathic physicians would be able to treat their players for up to 45 days around the tournaments, or even longer with approval by the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

“This bill, which I expect to be signed into law soon, will permit team doctors, no matter where they are from, to treat their players during their stay in the Commonwealth,” said Burns, D-Cambria.

“Implementing this bill will contribute to the state’s economy by removing this obstacle that could hinder Pennsylvania’s attraction as a destination for international sporting events.”

Philadelphia will host six World Cup matches in 2026, which is anticipated to generate a $770 million economic impact, creating thousands of jobs and bringing in $51 million in tax revenue.

The bill also creates a temporary license so that osteopathic physicians have the same practice flexibility as MDs. With a temporary license, an out-of-state or international DO can come to Pennsylvania to teach advanced medical techniques, perform a specialized procedure for a patient or practice medicine in a declared health emergency.

“This means Pennsylvania hospitals can bring in world-class doctors no matter where they live or practice to help patients and train future physicians,” he said. “Plus, this creates some flexibility to get Pennsylvanians the health care they deserve.”

House Bill 309 passed the House and Senate unanimously and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.