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Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020

Introduced: January 27, 2020 Introduced by: Boyle, Brendan F. Democratic · Pennsylvania See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 116th Congress ended
It never became law before the 116th Congress (2019–2020) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 27, 2020
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jan 27, 2020
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020

This bill prohibits hospitals from closing unless pursuant to a plan approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Specifically, a hospital must (1) notify HHS before closing most or all of its units or departments or specific units or departments where the closure may significantly impact the health and welfare of a community (e.g., emergency departments or labor and delivery units), and (2) provide a closure plan that addresses specified issues related to continuity of patient care and the health and safety needs of the community served by the departments or units. HHS may reject, approve, or require modification of the plan.

The bill provides for certain judicial remedies in the event of closures that occur without an approved plan or in violation of an approved plan.

What's happening now January 27, 2020

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 5681: Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020. 116th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-5681/
MLA
"H.R. 5681: Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020." 116th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-5681/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 5681, 116th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-5681/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 5681: Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act of 2020](https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-5681/)
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