HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Dan Williams, joined by Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman, all D-Chester, introduced legislation aimed at increasing oversight of hospital purchases to protect communities from abrupt closures and service reductions.
The legislation seeks to address growing concerns over hospital mergers and acquisitions, which research shows result in full or partial closures in one out of three cases. Chester County has recently faced such closures, with Tower Health shuttering Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals less than five years after their purchase.
The bill would require buyer applications to be reviewed by the Department of Health, ensuring public hearings and detailed impact statements before approval is granted. “When hospitals close, jobs disappear and patients are forced to travel further distances for potentially lifesaving care,” Williams stated. “When a life is on the line, the miles and minutes matter.”
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of prioritizing patient care over profits. “We cannot allow our health to be dictated by business interests,” said Howard. “Department of Health approval will ensure continued access to quality care.” Shusterman added that closures strain both patients and healthcare workers, noting, “We need better oversight, community involvement, and a holistic approach that accounts for the well-being of our entire region.”
The bill also includes provisions for price transparency, requiring hospitals to provide clear information on costs for services and items. Democratic lawmakers are currently seeking bipartisan cosponsors to advance the proposal.
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