H.R. 9851: PASTOR Act of 2026

This bill would require certain health care providers that participate in Medicare to let a patient receive visits from a clergy member if the patient asks for it.

What changes would be made

• It amends a part of the Social Security Act that governs provider participation in Medicare.
• Starting on January 1, 2028, a provider would have to allow a clergy member chosen by the patient to have access to that patient, if the patient requests it.
• This requirement would apply even if there is otherwise a waiver in effect under emergency authority provisions.

Conditions and limits

• The clergy member would need to follow any safety rules or other procedures set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• Those rules would be written in consultation with providers, states, and religious organizations.
• The bill does not spell out the exact procedures; it leaves those details to the federal government to define later.

Practical effect

In everyday terms, the bill would create a right for patients in covered health care settings to ask for spiritual support from a clergy member, and it would require providers to make that possible within whatever safety and operational rules the government sets.

Relevant Companies

None found.