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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 10, 2022 09:22 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kristine C. Howard and Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman, Rep. Dan K. Williams |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Hospital Acquisitions and Price Transparency |
| The recent closing of two hospitals in Chester County – Jennersville and Brandywine – came as a shock to many members of the community. Tower Health Medical Company had hoped the planned purchase by Canyon Atlantic Partners would allow the buildings to stay open as acute care hospitals, thus saving Tower Health from impending financial fallout. Unfortunately, the deal fell through, resulting in Tower Health’s decision to close down Jennersville and Brandywine for good. In the midst of a global pandemic, these closures are especially worrisome. Now, for Chester County residents, the nearest hospitals in the area are between 13 to 18 miles away. 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 (DOH) before hospitals or hospital systems can be purchased. This bill would require DOH 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. |
Introduced as HB2704