A bipartisan bill sponsored on Feb. 10 by U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) would repeal the ban on new physician-owned hospitals under the Affordable Care Act.

“Physicians understand more than anyone the importance of quality, efficient, and cost-effective patient care,” said Rep. Burgess, vice chairman of the U.S. House Rules Committee. “That is why physician-owned hospitals play a vital role in the American healthcare system.” 

The congressman introduced the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023, H.R. 977, with 22 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX). 

“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,” Rep. Burgess said on Feb. 21. “Rep. 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.”

Rep. Cuellar, the lead original cosponsor of H.R. 977, said he helped introduce the bill with Rep. Burgess to enable more physician-owned hospitals across south Texas and the United States.

“South Texans, especially those with pre-existing conditions, rely on quality health care,” he said, noting that H.R. 977 “will ensure lower costs, increased access to care, and more options for care among patients.”

The bill has been referred to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.