PA HB831

Imposes a 24-month moratorium on any transfer of hospital or health system ownership in Pennsylvania where either the buyer or seller is a for-profit entity

Directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study within 18 months examining causes of increased for-profit hospital ownership, costs and benefits of for-profit versus nonprofit models, and policy recommendations to improve health care costs

Requires the Commission to submit its findings to the Governor and all members of the General Assembly within 18 months

Cites that for-profit hospital ownership in Pennsylvania grew by nearly 348% from 1999 to 2020, while nonprofit-owned hospitals declined by roughly 18%

The act expires automatically 24 months after taking effect and would take effect immediately upon enactment