Burns bill to cut red tape for traveling physicians signed by governor
Act 29 will help attract world-class events and boost state’s economy
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus December 15, 2025 | 4:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 — Gov. Josh Shapiro today ceremoniously signed a bipartisan bill, sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, designed to help Pennsylvania attract world-class sporting events by streamlining the process for teams bringing traveling physicians to their games.
As chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee, Burns introduced and guided H.B. 309—now Act 29 of 2025—through the legislature to boost the state’s economy with major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under previous law, international doctors were required to obtain a Pennsylvania medical license to treat players in the state. Act 29, which went into effect in July, removes that requirement.
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will host six World Cup matches in 2026, with an anticipated $770 million economic impact, thousands of jobs, and $51 million in tax revenue.
“I wanted to cut the red tape for world-class events that will give the state’s economy a shot in the arm,” Burns said. “The old process was long and cumbersome. If Pennsylvania wants to be competitive in attracting events that drive tourism and revenue, we need legislation like this.”
“I appreciate your leadership,” Shapiro told Burns as he signed the legislation. “It’s always about doing common-sense things.”
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“I wanted to cut the red tape for world-class events that will give the state’s economy a shot in the arm.” – Rep. Frank Burns
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Act 29 allows traveling team osteopathic physicians to treat their players for up to 45 days around tournaments in Pennsylvania—or longer with approval from the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
The legislation, which attracted multiple co-sponsors from both parties, passed both the state House and Senate unanimously earlier this year.
The new law also establishes a temporary license, giving osteopathic physicians the same practice flexibility as MDs. With this license, an out-of-state or international DO can come to Pennsylvania to teach advanced medical techniques, perform specialized procedures, or provide care during a declared health emergency.
“That’s important because it means Pennsylvania hospitals can bring in world-class doctors to help patients and train future physicians,” Burns said. “It creates added flexibility to ensure Pennsylvanians get the health care they need.”