According a PHA news 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 Energy & Commerce Committee is schedule to begin hearings on the new bill on Thursday, with markup beginning on Friday. Next week, the bill is expected to move on to the Ways & Means and Education & Labor Committees with markup on Thursday and Friday.
The Democrats on the Energy & Commerce Committee are Mike Ross (D-Ark.); Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.); Lois Capps (D-Calif.); Henry Waxman (D-Calif.); Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.); Jim Matheson (D-Utah); John Barrow (D-Ga.); Diana DeGette (D-Colo.); Baron Hill (D-Ind.); Charlie Melancon (D-La.); Zack Space (D-Ohio); Betty Sutton (D-Ohio); Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.); Gene Green (D-Texas); and Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas).
The Democrats on the Ways & Means Committee are Sandy Levin (D-Mich.); John Tanner (D-Tenn.); Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.); Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas); Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.); Ron Kind (D-Wis.); Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.); Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.); and Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.).
PHA is asking members to spread the word to physicians, staff, patients and all other interested parties. Additionally, it is asking members who are constituents in the areas of members of the various House Committees to contact their representatives as soon as possible.
PHA has asked members to focus on how the House language hurts physician-owned hospitals and projects if not given the chance to grow; causes a major impact on the local economy; and would cause a disruption of medical services to patients.
PHA is asking members to refer to the Web site and the “Take Action Now” link to send e-mails directly to members of Congress.
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