Across Pennsylvania, the recent closing of hospitals has been a major challenge to our communities. Jobs are disappearing and patients are forced to travel further distances for care. One in three sales of a hospital or health system lead to a facility either fully or partially closing.[1] In Chester County, Tower Health acquired Jennersville and Brandywine hospitals, which were then closed after only 16 months.[2] This came as a shock to many members of our communities. We, as legislators, need to do better to protect our residents and front-line workers from loss of care or employment.
 
For this reason, we are introducing legislation that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals or hospital systems can be purchased. This bill would require the Department of Health to review applications, hold public hearings, and prepare impact statements on the effect of the buying and selling of health care services that the hospital or hospital system is providing. Further, this bill would require price transparency from hospital or hospital systems so that patients have full access to the costs of items and services provided.
 
Please join us in sponsoring this safety measure to ensure both lives and livelihoods are not at risk because of snap decision-making.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1409 (Apr 17, 2025): P.L.130, No.48
Printer's No. 1409: P.L.130, No.48