Pennsylvania House Bill HB1460

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Refer: 6/3/25
• Report Pass: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25
• Report Pass: 6/10/25
• Engrossed: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/18/25

Caption

Providing for approval from the Department of Health and the Office of Attorney General before certain transactions involving health care entities within this Commonwealth.

Impact

The legislation is intended to protect communities by preventing health care entities from engaging in transactions that could decrease quality or accessibility of health care. It empowers the Attorney General to intervene in situations where a proposed transaction could lead to a significant reduction in care options or inflate costs for consumers. Additionally, the bill mandates that affected communities have a voice in these transactions through public hearings, thus promoting transparency and accountability. An extensive review process, inclusive of community feedback, is positioned to guard against detrimental impacts on local health systems.

Summary

House Bill 1460, also known as the Health System Protection Act, requires approval from the Department of Health and the Office of Attorney General prior to certain transactions involving health care entities within the Commonwealth. The bill aims to ensure that such transactions do not adversely affect public health by potentially compromising access to care, increasing costs, or reducing competition in healthcare markets. It establishes a framework that necessitates the Attorney General's assessment before the execution of significant health care transactions, outlining what constitutes a transaction that would adversely affect the public interest.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB1460 appears to be cautiously supportive among healthcare advocates and public health officials who view it as a necessary safeguard against harmful transactions in an ever-complex healthcare landscape. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the bureaucratic nature of the approval process, which opponents argue could stifle necessary changes and improvements in local health care systems. The debate encapsulates a balance between regulatory oversight and the need for flexibility in managing health care operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the extent of governmental oversight and the balance between necessary transparency and operational efficiency for health care entities. While proponents argue that the bill is crucial for maintaining standards and protecting communities, critics express fears of overregulation that could hinder timely healthcare decisions. The monitoring provisions also outline that costs incurred during compliance will be the responsibility of the covered entity, raising questions about the financial implications for health care providers involved in complex transactions.