US HB7537

Creates criminal penalties of 1-6 years imprisonment and civil penalties up to 5 times the clawback amount for private equity and other covered parties whose actions contribute to patient death or injury at acquired healthcare firms

Authorizes the Attorney General and state attorneys general to claw back compensation received by covered parties from healthcare firms within 10 years before or after a "triggering event" (bankruptcy, facility closure, loan default, or unpaid salaries affecting 25%+ of workforce)

Excludes healthcare entities from federal health program payments if they sell assets to or use assets as collateral with real estate investment trusts (REITs), and eliminates REIT tax advantages for qualified healthcare properties

Requires annual reporting by hospitals, health systems, physician practices, and other healthcare entities on ownership structure, mergers/acquisitions, debt levels, real estate arrangements, and investor fees, with penalties up to $5 million for non-compliance or false information

Directs HHS Inspector General to study profit-driven practices in healthcare delivery (overbilling, staff reductions, prior authorization restrictions) and their impact on patient care quality, provider well-being, and federal health programs