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Bill

HB 832

An Act providing for hospital closure procedure requirements, for notice of proposed general hospital closure or significant impact closure, for health equity impact assessments, for closure plans and for enforcement actions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Cerrato and 21 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill requiring hospitals to conduct health equity assessments, provide public notice, and obtain state approval before closing or making significant operational changes.

Referred to Health
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Bill Summary · HB 832

Legislative bill overview

HB 832 establishes formal procedures that hospitals must follow before closing or undergoing significant operational changes. The bill requires hospitals to conduct health equity impact assessments, provide advance notice to the public and state health officials, and submit detailed closure plans before proceeding. The legislation also grants the state enforcement authority to oversee compliance with these requirements.

Why is this important

Hospital closures disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities, often eliminating access to emergency care, maternity services, and other critical health infrastructure. This bill attempts to ensure communities have warning and that decision-makers understand the equity consequences before essential healthcare facilities disappear. The requirement for health equity assessments and state oversight could prevent or slow closures that leave vulnerable populations without adequate medical access.

Potential points of contention

  • Business autonomy vs. regulation: Hospital operators may argue this imposes burdensome procedural requirements and limits their management flexibility during financial distress
  • Effectiveness of notice requirements: Critics question whether notification requirements actually prevent closures or merely delay them, without addressing underlying financial viability issues
  • Definition ambiguity: "Significant impact closure" is undefined in the bill summary, creating uncertainty about which closures trigger requirements and potential litigation over scope
  • State enforcement capacity: Implementation depends on state health department resources to conduct meaningful equity assessments and enforcement actions

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

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