Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 9851, the Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026, would amend Medicare rules to require healthcare providers participating in Medicare to allow a patient access to a clergy member of their choosing. This access would be granted upon the patient's designation and request, and would apply regardless of any existing waivers under section 1135 of the Social Security Act.
The bill specifically affects healthcare providers who accept Medicare payments. It mandates that these providers must permit clergy access under certain conditions. Clergy members would need to follow safety measures and protocols outlined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with providers, states, and religious organizations. The requirement would take effect on January 1, 2028.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. As it has just been introduced, its next steps would involve committee review and potential hearings before it could be considered for a vote by the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026 or the PASTOR Act of 2026
This bill requires, as a condition of Medicare participation, health care providers to allow a clergy member access to a patient upon the patient's designation and request.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9851 do?
- H.R. 9851, the Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026, would amend Medicare rules to require healthcare providers participating in Medicare to allow a patient access to a clergy member of their choosing. This access would be granted upon the patient's designation and request, and would apply regardless of any existing waivers under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. The bill specifically affects healthcare providers who accept Medicare payments. It mandates that these providers must permit clergy access under certain conditions. Clergy members would need to follow safety measures and protocols outlined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with providers, states, and religious organizations. The requirement would take effect on January 1, 2028. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. As it has just been introduced, its next steps would involve committee review and potential hearings before it could be considered for a vote by the full House.
- Has H.R. 9851 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9851. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9851?
- H.R. 9851 was sponsored by Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1] (R-NE), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9851?
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (22 Jul 2026).
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