Washington Committee Chair Featured in Article on Physician-Owned Hospitals

Following the Sept. 23 press release by the AANS and the CNS, Becker’s Spine Review published an article titled “Neurosurgeons back bill to lift ban on physician-owned hospitals.” In the article, AANS/CNS Washington Committee Chair Russell R. Lonser, MD, FAANS is quoted, “For too long, physician-owned hospitals have been restricted from expanding.” Dr. Lonser added, “There is no sound rationale for restricting physicians from owning hospitals. Congress should act to bring back competition and pass the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 9001).” The bill would allow physician ownership in rural hospitals that are at least 35 miles away from a hospital’s main patient campus. The legislation would also remove a ban that prevents existing POHs from building expansions.