H.R. 9851 Introduced Health

Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to provide patients access to clergy.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1] Introduced July 22, 2026 Cosponsors 0 Latest action July 22, 2026

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jul 22, 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.
  2. Jul 22, 2026 Introduced in House

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