Bogen confirmed as health secretary

(The Center Square) – Dr. Debra Bogen has officially become Pennsylvania’s secretary of the state Health Department after final Senate confirmation on Monday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro first tapped Bogen in January 2023, but withdrew her nomination six months later amid lacking support in the upper chamber. At the time, Senate Republicans expressed concern about decisions while leading the Allegheny County Health Department during COVID-19.

On Monday, the opposition shrunk to just eight out of 50 senators, clearing the necessary two-thirds majority to confirm Bogen’s appointment.

During a Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting on Thursday, Democratic lawmakers stood firm in their support, lauding Bogen’s 18-month tenure as “acting” secretary.

“Dr. Bogen is a tremendous individual, wonderful person, tremendous professional, an exceptional physician whom I know will represent our commonwealth with great integrity,” said Sen. Jay Costa, D-Pittsburgh. “I don’t think we could find someone who is better qualified, who has committed the past 18 months to improving the Department of Health.”

The acting secretary said her biggest accomplishments so far have been improving the “frayed relationships” with the state’s Emergency Medical Services agencies (who have complained of an “adversarial” state bureau ). She also pointed to the department’s work on rural health to “collaborate across agencies” and implement regulations on the state’s long-term care facilities.

“I think you’ve certainly proved your mettle in terms of how you’ve run the Department of Health,” said Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Reading.

Anthony Hennen contributed to this report.