HB9851: Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026

What the bill says

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

From the introduced text, July 22, 2026:

A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to provide patients access to clergy. SECTION 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 . SECTION 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: (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). .

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Mike Flood (R, HD-NE-1) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. July 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. July 22, 2026: Introduced in House

Common questions

What is HB9851?

HB9851 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Protecting Access to Spiritual Treatment and Organized Religion Act of 2026.

What does HB9851 do?

In its own words: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to provide patients access to clergy.

What is the status of HB9851?

In committee as of July 22, 2026. Latest action: 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. (July 22, 2026).

Who sponsored HB9851?

Mike Flood (R, HD-NE-1).

Where is the official record for HB9851?

On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9851