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HB 1266

An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, in licensing of health care facilities, providing for hospital pricing transparency; providing for acquisition of health care facilities; and conferring powers to the Department of Health and Attorney General.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 22 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill requiring hospitals to disclose pricing, regulating healthcare facility acquisitions, and granting state agencies enforcement powers to increase transparency and oversight.

Referred to Health
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Bill Summary · HB 1266

Legislative bill overview

HB 1266 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to introduce hospital pricing transparency requirements, establish new regulations for health care facility acquisitions, and expand enforcement powers for the Department of Health and Attorney General. The bill modifies licensing standards and oversight mechanisms for hospitals and related health care facilities operating in the state.

Why is this important

Hospital pricing transparency directly affects patient financial planning and reveals cost variations across providers, which can influence healthcare competition and consumer choice. The acquisition provisions and expanded regulatory powers address concerns about consolidation in healthcare markets and give state agencies tools to review major facility transactions for public interest implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Business opposition: Hospitals may resist transparency mandates, citing competitive concerns and administrative burden; healthcare systems could argue detailed pricing disclosure affects negotiating leverage with insurers
  • Regulatory scope creep: Expanded Attorney General and Department of Health powers over acquisitions could face constitutional challenges regarding state authority, and may slow legitimate business transactions pending regulatory review
  • Implementation costs: Healthcare facilities will incur expenses developing transparent pricing systems and compliance infrastructure, potentially passed to consumers through increased fees

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

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