(Richmond, Va.) — A bill that would pave the way for Patrick County’s only hospital to reopen now awaits the governor’s signature. The bill would extend the state license for Pioneer Hospital in Stuart for a year and has now been approved by both the State Senate and the House of Delegates.

The legislation, sponsored by Southside State Sen. Bill Stanley would give state and local officials time to find a potential buyer.

The hospital’s parent company — Pioneer Health Services — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 30 and the hospital closed in the fall.