Private equity health care deals need federal license and 90-day notice

What it does

The bill makes private equity firms get a license from the state before buying health care businesses. Health care businesses owned by private equity must report money and staffing facts to the state. Hospitals must tell people 90 days before they close or cut care. Hospitals must also make a plan to protect important care during that time. The bill changes bankruptcy law so workers' pensions get paid first.

Who it affects

People who get care at hospitals and clinics owned by private equity firms. Health care workers at those places. Private equity companies that invest in health care.

One thing to notice

The bill requires 90 days' notice before a hospital can close or cut major care. The hospital must make a plan to protect care during that time.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

7 cosponsors: 6 Democrats, 1 Independents.

• Jul 23, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Jul 23, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Finance · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• private equity — A company that buys other businesses to make money, often by cutting costs.
• license — Official permission from the state to do a job or run a business.
• bankruptcy — A legal process when a company or person cannot pay debts.