Michael Burgess: “Madam Speaker, the bill before us today is going to harm access to high-quality hospital care by prohibiting physician…”

“Madam Speaker, the bill before us today is going to harm access to high-quality hospital care by prohibiting physician ownership of hospitals. In past Congresses there have been attempts to prohibit physician ownership, and they have been struck down due in large part by the recognition of many Members of Congress across the aisle and on this side that these few physician-owned hospitals are doing a great job. Patients like going there. Physicians and nurses like working there. And I will just tell you as someone who has worked in a physician-owned facility, there's nothing like the pride of ownership in helping you deliver first class care. The bill before us today will put rural Americans at risk. Physician-owned hospitals also provide care in many rural areas of this country where patients have few health care options. The attack on physician-owned hospitals will hurt the economy in a number of States. It's estimated up to $4 billion is generated in activity in these facilities in eight States in the country including my own home State of Texas. During this time of economic downturn, it is simply irresponsible to shut down a strong stream of economic activity in these States while shutting down patient access to care.”