An Act providing for hospital closure procedure requirements, for notice of proposed general hospital closure or significant impact closure, for health equity impact assessments, for closure plans and for enforcement actions.

HB 832 requires hospitals planning to close all or most units (general hospital closure) or critical departments like emergency or maternity units (significant impact closure) to follow specific steps. Hospitals must submit a detailed closure plan for approval by the Department of Health or local health authorities at least 180 days before closing, include a health equity impact assessment, and hold two public hearings in the affected community. The bill mandates public notice, comment periods via phone and website, and ensures hospitals address community health needs before proceeding. This directly affects hospitals seeking to close operations and the communities relying on their services, aiming to prevent abrupt healthcare disruptions.