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You are entering webpages belonging to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which includes information and resources for Association advocacy efforts and the Political Action Committee of The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoPAC).

Physician-Owned Hospitals

Physician-owned hospitals (POHs) are known for providing some of the highest quality care in the country at the lowest cost. Unfortunately, section 6001 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) effectively prohibits the expansion of existing POHs or the construction of new POHs. These hospitals help meet a growing demand for health care services, including in rural and underserved areas, yet the prohibition penalizes patients who deserve the right to receive care at the hospital of their choice. POHs also provide the kind of competition that can help slow the rapidly accelerating consolidation in health care and lower costs for patients.

The Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023 (H.R. 977/S. 470) would repeal the ACA provision establishing restrictions on the establishment or expansion of POHs. The momentum and optimism surrounding this legislation is particularly strong in this 118th Congress.

Please join AAOS in urging your members of Congress to cosponsor the bill.