A bill introduced in Pennsylvania would amend the state’s dental laws to require dentists to purchase malpractice insurance.

Two Pennsylvania insurance associations say they do not expect that a bill that calls for electing rather than appointing the state’s insurance commissioner to earn Pennsylvania General Assembly approval this year.

A bill regulating the use of senior-specific professional designations and business practices by insurance agents and brokers was passed by the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee last week.

Two bills, one dealing with viatical settlements and the other with agents’ handling of life insurance and annuities, will be considered by the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee this month.

Highmark Blue Shield’s recent shifting of its small-group business to its for-profit subsidiary has led to a wave of complaints from employers, and an investigation into each by regulators, according to Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario.

The chairman of the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee has asked the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to investigate health insurance industry lobbying, especially the TV advertisements of America’s Health Insurance Plans, on national health care reform.