House Bill No. 7050 proposes significant amendments to the Certificate of Need (CON) program managed by the Office of Health Strategy (OHS). Key changes include the introduction of new regulations that enhance data submission requirements from healthcare facilities, particularly regarding their financial interactions with affiliates. The bill expands the definition of "termination of services" to include any cessation of services for more than 180 days within a two-year period or for 30 consecutive days. Additionally, it allows the OHS Commissioner to implement necessary policies and procedures for the CON program while ensuring public input through hearings prior to final regulation adoption.

The bill also removes the requirement for a CON for the acquisition of proton radiotherapy machines or non-hospital based linear accelerators if they are replacements for previously approved machines. It establishes guidelines for evaluating CON applications related to hospital ownership transfers, emphasizing the need to maintain access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. Furthermore, the bill introduces an expedited review process for certain CON applications addressing significant unmet needs, allowing for quicker decisions without public hearings. The maximum fee for independent consultants conducting Comprehensive Market Impact Reviews is increased from $200,000 to $300,000. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the CON process while ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible and affordable for communities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 683: