PA HB1266

Hospitals must publish standard charges for all items and services on their public websites within six months, including gross charges, payer-specific negotiated rates, minimum/maximum negotiated charges, and discounted cash prices for both inpatient and outpatient settings

Acquisitions involving 20% or more change in ownership/control of a hospital or hospital system require prior Department of Health approval, with detailed applications covering acquisition terms, charity care history, current and planned health services, staffing policies, and community impact assessments

Public hearings must be held in affected counties before acquisition approval, with at least 30 days' notice; independent health care impact statements are required for acquisitions affecting hospitals with more than 50 acute care beds

Acquisitions may only be approved if they maintain or improve community access to affordable care, including reproductive, end-of-life, and gender-affirming services, and do not result in revocation of hospital privileges

The Department of Health must monitor acquisition compliance for at least 10 years with annual reporting requirements, and the Attorney General may seek injunctions, damages, and other relief to enforce the requirements