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Congress·In Committee·10 months ago

Congress Pushes HHS to Guarantee Hearings Before Hospitals Cut Doctors’ Privileges

Also known as: Physician and Patient Safety Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • Would require the Health and Human Services Department to write rules so doctors get a fair hearing and an appeal before a hospital can cut or end their work privileges.
  • Says a hospital (or a contractor working for it) can’t block a doctor from getting that hearing and appeal by using a third-party contract.
  • Bars hospitals or contractors from making a doctor give up these hearing rights as a condition of getting or keeping a job.
  • Makes these hearings and appeals confidential and generally not reportable to outside databases or future employers, unless there’s an ongoing patient safety threat or reporting is required.
  • The new rules would have to take effect within 18 months after the bill becomes law.
HealthcareConsumer ProtectionLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
May 14, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

May 14, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the bill becomes law

Health and Human Services starts writing the regulations on physician hearing and appeal rights

Hospitals and physician groups would begin watching for proposed rules that could change how privilege disputes must be handled

After the final rule is published and before it takes effect

Hospitals and staffing companies review and update contracts that affect hearing and appeal rights

Doctors may see contract language change so they are no longer asked to waive hearing/appeal rights or accept clauses that block them

Related News

6 articles
American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM)·10 months ago

AAEM Applauds Reintroduction of the Physician and Patient Safety Act

AAEM backs S.1767/H.R.3413, saying it would guarantee due process protections for hospital-based physicians, including those employed via third-party contract groups.

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American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)·10 months ago

ACEP-Supported Legislation Would Bring Fairness, Due Process to Physicians

ACEP supports the Physician and Patient Safety Act and describes how it would require HHS regulations ensuring fair hearings and appeal rights before adverse privilege/employment actions.

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AAEM Insights (MultiBriefs)·about 2 months ago

AAEM Insights: “Due Process” (President’s message referencing support for the Physician and Patient Safety Act)

Newsletter item notes AAEM’s support of H.R.3413/S.1767 and recounts that the bill was introduced May 14, 2025, framing the policy as a key due-process priority for physicians.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Physician and Patient Safety Act

Bill NumberHR 3413
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 3R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.