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Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9851| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
Mike Flood

Mike Flood

Republican Representative

Nebraska

Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to mandate that healthcare providers allow patients access to clergy. Specifically, it requires providers of services to permit a member of clergy designated by an individual to access that individual upon request. This provision is set to become effective on January 1, 2028 , and applies even during emergency waivers. The designated clergy member must adhere to specific safety measures and other protocols, which will be determined by the Secretary in consultation with healthcare providers, states, and religious organizations.
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Timeline
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9851| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
This bill proposes to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to mandate that healthcare providers allow patients access to clergy. Specifically, it requires providers of services to permit a member of clergy designated by an individual to access that individual upon request. This provision is set to become effective on January 1, 2028 , and applies even during emergency waivers. The designated clergy member must adhere to specific safety measures and other protocols, which will be determined by the Secretary in consultation with healthcare providers, states, and religious organizations.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Mike Flood

Mike Flood

Republican Representative

Nebraska

Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted