Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s ban on new physician owned hospitals – H.R. 977, the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023.

“Physicians understand more than anyone the importance of quality, efficient, and cost-effective patient care. That is why physician-owned hospitals play a vital role in the American health care system,” said Congressman Burgess. “It is wrong that the Affordable Care Act penalizes not only physicians but American patients by imposing burdensome restrictions on doctors who are simply trying to innovate and improve patient care. Representative Cuellar and I are committed to rolling back these needless restrictions to ensure hospitals are able to provide affordable, quality care for Texas and the rest of the country."

“Physician-owned hospitals deliver excellent care at low costs. I helped introduced the bipartisan Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023 with Congressman Burgess (R-TX-26) to enable more physician-owned hospitals across South Texas and the United States,” said Congressman Cuellar. “South Texans, especially those with pre-existing conditions, rely on quality health care. The Act will ensure lower costs, increased access to care, and more options for care among patients. Health care remains a priority of mine in Congress, and I thank Congressman Burgess for working with me to increase affordable care for all.” 

Read the full text of H.R. 977, here.