Bill > SB754

This bill introduces the Hospital Closure Procedure and Notification Act, which establishes comprehensive requirements for hospitals planning to close all or a significant portion of their operations. The legislation mandates that hospital authorities must obtain approval from the Office of Attorney General and either the state or local health department before executing a general hospital closure or significant impact closure, ensuring that patient care continuity and community health needs are adequately addressed. Hospitals must provide at least 180 days' notice before closure, conduct a minimum of two public hearings in the affected community, and create a detailed closure plan that includes strategies for patient transfer, medical record maintenance, employee support, and community communication. The bill also requires hospitals to submit a health equity impact assessment that examines the closure's potential effects on patient access, particularly for vulnerable populations like low-income, senior, and minority patients. Additionally, the legislation empowers the Attorney General or district attorneys to take civil action against hospitals that fail to comply with these requirements, with potential remedies including injunctions, appointing a special manager, or other court-determined actions. The goal of this bill is to ensure transparent, thoughtful, and community-centered hospital closure processes that minimize disruption to healthcare services and protect the well-being of patients and local communities.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=754