Tags: healthcare reform | legislation | Physician Hospitals of America | physician-owned hospitals

The U.S. House of Representatives issued the first draft of its healthcare reform legislation, which could have "a devastating effect on physician-owned hospitals," according to a news release from the Physician Hospitals of America.

According to the release, although existing physician-owned hospitals would not be asked to change their percentage of physician ownership as of the date of the bill's enactment, nearly all hospitals would be prevented from growing or adding new services under the bill. Additionally, all physician-owned hospitals without a Medicare Certification number as of Jan. 1, 2009, would be unable to continue to care for Medicare and Medicaid patients at the facility if the physicians who own the hospital refer patients there.

The release notes that other disclosure requirements are in the bill, but physician-owned hospitals are already in compliance with these.

The PHA is encouraging members and supporters of physician-owned hospitals to get their voices heard. They can arrange to meet with their elected officials in Congress, contribute to the PHA's Political Action Committee and finalize their grassroots messages to begin to contact their elected officials.

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