Top House and Senate Democrats plan to hold a hearing on the role of private equity in the health care system. The topic has exploded on Beacon Hill this year as Steward Health Care’s financial troubles have surfaced serious concerns over the status and future of its nine hospitals in Massachusetts, some of which could soon be in line for new ownership. Last Friday, Democrats announced plans for a hearing, but didn’t say when it would be held.

“Today, we are announcing our intention to hold an informational hearing hosted by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing in the coming weeks, which will focus on the role of private equity in the Commonwealth’s health care system. The hearing will examine the relationship between health care regulators and private equity and will solicit information and recommendations to help ensure that what is happening with Steward Health Care doesn’t happen again in the future,” the statement said. “Details will be forthcoming soon.”

The statement was signed by Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, and Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Chairs Sen. Cindy Friedman and Rep. John Lawn.

As in previous sessions, House and Senate Democrats this session have been unable to agree on paths forward on a host of health care topics, from prescription drug prices to community hospital protections.