Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020 This bill prohibits hospitals from closing unless pursuant to a plan approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, a hospital must (1) notify HHS before closing most or all of its units or departments or specific units or departments where the closure may significantly impact the health and welfare of a community (e.g., emergency departments or labor and delivery units), and (2) provide a closure plan that addresses specified issues related to continuity of patient care and the health and safety needs of the community served by the departments or units. HHS may reject, approve, or require modification of the plan. The bill provides for certain judicial remedies in the event of closures that occur without an approved plan or in violation of an approved plan.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
ChemistryCongressional oversightEmployee benefits and pensionsEmployment and training programsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsHealth information and medical recordsHospital careJudicial procedure and administrationLabor-management relationsMedical educationPrescription drugs
Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020
USA116th CongressHR-5681| House
| Updated: 1/27/2020
Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020 This bill prohibits hospitals from closing unless pursuant to a plan approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, a hospital must (1) notify HHS before closing most or all of its units or departments or specific units or departments where the closure may significantly impact the health and welfare of a community (e.g., emergency departments or labor and delivery units), and (2) provide a closure plan that addresses specified issues related to continuity of patient care and the health and safety needs of the community served by the departments or units. HHS may reject, approve, or require modification of the plan. The bill provides for certain judicial remedies in the event of closures that occur without an approved plan or in violation of an approved plan.
ChemistryCongressional oversightEmployee benefits and pensionsEmployment and training programsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsHealth information and medical recordsHospital careJudicial procedure and administrationLabor-management relationsMedical educationPrescription drugs