H.R. 9851

Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

Sponsor: Mike Flood · 0 cosponsors

Where it stands

Introduced Jul 22
Committee Now
House of Representatives —
Senate —
Law —

Introduced Jul 22
Committee Now
House of Representatives —
Senate —
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. (Jul 22)

Votes

No roll-call votes yet.

Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

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.

Text of the bill

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Sec. 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026 or the PASTOR Act of 2026.

Sec. 2. Requiring providers of services to provide patients access to clergy

Section 1866(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(a)(1)) is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (X), by striking and at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (Y), by striking the period and inserting , and; and

(3) by inserting after subparagraph (Y) the following new subparagraph:

Text this section adds to the law

(Z) beginning January 1, 2028, upon request of an individual receiving items and services from such provider and notwithstanding any waiver under section 1135, to allow a member of clergy designated by such individual access to such individual, provided that such clergy member adheres to such safety measures and other protocols as may be specified by the Secretary (in consultation with providers of services, States, and religious organizations).