Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania have reintroduced companion bills aimed at increasing oversight of hospital mergers and acquisitions.
Five things to know:
1. Sen. Tim Kearney and and Rep. Lisa Borowski introduced Senate Bill 322 and House Bill 1460 on May 13.
2. The proposed legislation would give the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General authority to review hospital transactions and potentially block deals that may threaten patient access or public health.
3. The legislation would also prohibit healthcare sale-leaseback arrangements by private equity firms and require healthcare organizations to disclose financial and operational details before completing major deals.
4. The lawmakers cited the recent closure of Upland, Pa.-based Crozer Health as a key motivation for the bills.
5. Rep. Borowski and Sen. Kearney said they expect legislative action to begin in early June, according to a May 13 news release.
