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Bill

HB 493

An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, in general provisions, repeals and effective date, providing for acute care mental health bed registry and referrals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 15 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania would create a statewide acute care mental health bed registry to coordinate hospital placements and reduce emergency department overcrowding during psychiatric crises.

Referred to Health
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Bill Summary · HB 493

Legislative bill overview

HB 493 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to establish an acute care mental health bed registry and referral system. The bill requires tracking and coordinating available mental health beds across acute care hospitals to improve access and placement for patients in crisis.

Why is this important

Mental health crises often result in emergency department overcrowding and boarding of patients awaiting psychiatric beds. A centralized registry system could reduce wait times, improve treatment outcomes, and help hospitals coordinate patient transfers more efficiently during high-demand periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Establishing and maintaining a statewide registry system requires funding, technology infrastructure, and staff—expenses that may fall on hospitals or the state
  • Privacy and data security: Centralizing mental health bed information raises concerns about patient privacy, data breaches, and who has access to sensitive psychiatric placement data
  • Voluntary vs. mandatory participation: Unclear whether all acute care facilities must participate, which could limit the registry's effectiveness if participation is voluntary
  • Existing systems: May duplicate or conflict with private and regional mental health coordination efforts already operating in the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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