Bill > HB831

This bill establishes a 24-month moratorium on the transfer of hospital ownership if either the acquiring or selling entity is a for-profit organization, in response to significant changes in Pennsylvania's hospital ownership landscape over the past two decades. The legislation is motivated by concerns about the growing proportion of for-profit hospitals, which increased by nearly 348% between 1999 and 2020, and potential impacts on health care costs and quality. During this moratorium, the Joint State Government Commission (a legislative research agency) will conduct a comprehensive study examining the causes behind the increase in for-profit hospital ownership, comparing the costs and benefits of for-profit versus non-profit hospital models, and developing policy recommendations to improve healthcare functionality and affordability. The bill highlights broader healthcare challenges, including the fact that over 50% of Americans report avoiding medical care due to cost concerns and that total health care expenditures in Pennsylvania more than doubled between 1999 and 2014. By the end of 18 months, the Commission is required to submit a detailed report of its findings to the Governor and state legislators, with the entire act set to expire after 24 months, providing a temporary pause to allow for in-depth analysis of for-profit hospital ownership's implications.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=831