Texas A&M University (TAMU) PHLT313 Health Care and Public Health System Exam 2 Practice

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented various reforms aimed at improving access to care and reducing healthcare costs, which included specific limitations on physician-owned hospitals. One key provision is that no new physician-owned hospitals can be opened, nor can existing ones expand their services significantly. This measure was introduced primarily to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, where physicians might be incentivized to over-utilize services because they stand to profit from owning the facility. By placing this limitation, the ACA aimed to promote transparency and integrity within the healthcare system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the regulations established by the ACA. While there may be certain controls regarding where hospitals can operate, the explicit prohibition on the opening or expansion of physician-owned hospitals is a critical and clear part of the ACA's approach to healthcare reform.