A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 11 through May 17, 2025.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 230
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2934; text: CR S2932)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-23T14:54:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 230) aims to express support for the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, an annual observance from May 11 through May 17, 2025. It highlights the historical and ongoing contributions of hospitals to public health, fostering appreciation for their role in delivering essential care.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context: Recognizes the origins of National Hospital Day in 1921 (established by President Warren G. Harding on Florence Nightingale's birthday, May 12) following the 1918 Influenza Pandemic to build public trust in hospitals; expanded to National Hospital Week in 1953.
- Hospital Contributions: Notes that U.S. hospitals (approximately 6,093 in 2025) provide vital services across various settings, including:
- 1,377 critical access hospitals serving rural areas (reaching 1/5 of the U.S. population).
- Nearly 1,700 teaching hospitals (including 300 major ones) for training future healthcare providers.
- 654 non-Federal psychiatric hospitals addressing mental health and substance abuse.
- 170 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers serving over 9.1 million veterans.
- Scale of Services: In 2023, hospitals cared for over 34 million admitted patients; in 2024, they delivered more than 3.6 million babies. As of April 2025, they employ over 5.7 million people, including clinical staff (e.g., physicians, nurses) and non-clinical workers (e.g., sanitation, food service) who ensure 24/7 operations.
- Broader Role: Emphasizes hospitals' efforts in direct care, community outreach, and addressing unique needs in rural and urban areas, while collaborating to strengthen the U.S. healthcare system.
- Senate Actions:
- Supports the observance of National Hospital Week in 2025.
- Acknowledges hospitals' critical role in U.S. healthcare delivery.
- Urges Americans to participate through recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to highlight hospitals' importance to patients and communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It builds on the tradition of National Hospital Week without altering statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; may indirectly support morale and visibility for agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs by recognizing their facilities.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of hospitals' contributions, potentially encouraging community engagement and trust in healthcare services, especially in rural, mental health, and veteran care areas.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic U.S. healthcare.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hospitals and Healthcare Providers: Including critical access, teaching, psychiatric, and VA facilities, along with their 5.7 million employees (clinical and non-clinical staff).
- Patients and Communities: Particularly rural residents, veterans (over 9.1 million), those with mental health needs, and families (e.g., via maternity services).
- General Public: Encouraged to participate in observances, benefiting from heightened appreciation of local healthcare systems.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate on May 14, 2025 (introduced by Senators Barrasso, Whitehouse, Wicker, King, Lummis, and Capito), it has no enforceable effect and does not raise constitutional issues. It operates within Congress's power to express policy preferences symbolically.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for healthcare infrastructure, potentially signaling congressional appreciation for hospitals amid ongoing challenges like workforce shortages and rural access. It serves as a platform for non-partisan recognition without committing resources or policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2934; text: CR S2932)
- 2025-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2934; text: CR S2932)
- 2025-05-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 11 through May 17, 2025. — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (3 pages)