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Bill

A 3962

Requires the commissioner of health to conduct a study considering banning private equity ownership in hospice care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phara Souffrant Forrest

The bill directs a health study to evaluate the feasibility and implications of banning private equity ownership in hospice care.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 3962

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A3962

Overview

  • Bill number: A3962 (New York Assembly)
  • Title: Requires the commissioner of health to conduct a study considering banning private equity ownership in hospice care
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Health
  • Sponsor: Phara Souffrant Forrest (primary)

Purpose and Intent

The bill directs the state Department of Health to conduct a study to assess the feasibility and implications of prohibiting private equity ownership in hospice care. The aim is to explore whether a prohibition should be considered and under what circumstances, balancing patient care quality, access, and the financial viability of hospice providers.

Key Provisions (as provided)

  • Directs the commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study on the topic of private equity ownership in hospice care.
  • The study is to consider a potential ban on private equity ownership, evaluating relevant policy options and implications.
  • Specific components, scope, timelines, or reporting requirements for the study are not detailed in the provided text.

Note: The available information does not specify the study’s required deliverables (e.g., a final report, recommended legislation, or deadlines). The bill’s primary trigger is the directive to study and “consider banning” private equity ownership in hospice care.

Affected Parties and Sectors

  • Hospice care providers: Particularly those under private equity ownership or considering PE-backed capital structures.
  • Patients and families: Potential implications for access, care quality, and costs in hospice services.
  • Health policy stakeholders: State legislators, the Department of Health, and entities involved in health care financing and regulation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has been referred to the Health committee in the Assembly, indicating it will be reviewed by health policy experts before any floor consideration.
  • No specific deadlines or reporting timelines are stated in the available information.
  • The duplicate “REFERRED TO HEALTH” entry in the actions suggests no additional action has been recorded beyond the initial referral.

Potential Impacts and Policy Considerations

  • If a ban on private equity ownership were enacted, hospice providers would need to adjust ownership structures, capital strategies, and governance models.
  • Possible effects on investment, facility expansion, staffing, and patient access could arise, depending on how providers finance growth and operations post-ban.
  • The study could inform legislative decisions about regulatory oversight of hospice ownership and corporate practice in end-of-life care.

Next Steps

  • Monitor the Health committee proceedings for hearings, amendments, or witness testimony.
  • Track any amendments clarifying study scope, reporting requirements, or timelines.
  • If advancing, anticipate potential movement toward broader floor consideration and debate on ownership policy in hospice care.

If you’d like, I can add context on common concerns around private equity in hospice care or compare similar state proposals.

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

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