Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

Sponsor: Mike Flood (Republican-NE)July 22, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

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.

Patients would get the right to have their chosen clergy visit them in healthcare facilities.

This bill would give patients receiving care the right to have a clergy member of their choice visit them. It would require healthcare providers, like hospitals and nursing homes, to allow these visits starting in 2028. Clergy would need to follow safety rules set by the government, even during emergencies.

What Would Change

Today, access to clergy in healthcare facilities can vary depending on the facility's policies, and might be restricted during emergencies. After this bill, healthcare providers that accept Medicare would be required to allow patients to have their chosen clergy visit them, starting in 2028, even during emergency situations, as long as safety rules are followed.

Key Provisions

Requires healthcare providers that accept Medicare to allow patients to have a clergy member of their choice visit them.
Takes effect on January 1, 2028.
Lets the Secretary of Health and Human Services create safety rules and protocols for clergy visits, in consultation with providers, states, and religious organizations.
Ensures clergy access even during emergency waivers that might otherwise limit visitors, provided safety measures are followed.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9851 · 119th Congress · July 22, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity