US Congress Senate Bill 220 (Prior Session Legislation)

---

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: Introduced on January 21 2015 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2015-01-21 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pending: Senate Health, Education, Labor, And Pensions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act Prohibits the federal government and any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from discriminating or retaliating against any individual or health care entity because of a refusal to recommend, refer for, provide coverage for, pay for, provide, perform, assist, or participate in any abortion. Includes within prohibited discrimination: (1) denial, deprivation, or disqualification in licensing; (2) withholding accreditations, authorizations, loans, grants, aids, assistance, benefits, or privileges; and (3) withholding authorization to expand, improve, finance, or create facilities or programs. Creates a cause of action for any violation of this Act. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to order any form of legal or equitable relief, including injunctive relief or an order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance to a state government until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Authorizes the Attorney General to file a civil action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief to enforce compliance with this Act. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the HHS Office for Civil Rights to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of this Act. Requires this Act to be construed in favor of broad conscience protection for individuals and health care entities to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this Act and the Constitution.

Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act

Sen. Robert Casey [D-PA]

Date	Chamber	Action
2015-01-21	Senate	Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Type	Source
Summary	https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/220/all-info
Text	https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s220/BILLS-114s220is.pdf