H.R. 4002 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Jun 12, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEases rules on doctor-owned hospitals
The Stark law is a federal rule that prevents doctors from referring patients to certain medical facilities they own, as a way to avoid conflicts of interest. This bill would remove restrictions that currently block newly built or expanded hospitals owned by doctors from participating in Medicare (the federal health program for seniors and some others). Essentially, it opens the door for these doctor-owned hospitals to accept Medicare patients.
How it affects you
If you're a Medicare patient, this could affect where your doctor can refer you for care. Seniors and others on Medicare might have more options for hospital care if new doctor-owned hospitals in their area can now accept Medicare patients. The summary doesn't specify other direct effects on individuals beyond Medicare recipients.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jun 12, 2025)
Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025
This bill repeals provisions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) that limit, for purposes of Medicare participation, self-referrals by newly constructed or expanded physician-owned hospitals.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4002
A BILL
Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) · Introduced Jun 12, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 12, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”