General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1539 proposes significant amendments to the certificate of need (CON) process for health care facilities in Connecticut. The bill introduces new categories requiring a CON, including cardiac services, outpatient surgical facilities, and advanced imaging equipment, while also mandating a CON for private equity investments acquiring controlling interests in health care facilities. It removes the previous requirement for a CON for the termination of certain services at state-operated facilities but retains it for similar services at other hospitals. The bill emphasizes criteria such as public necessity, financial feasibility, and health care accessibility when reviewing CON applications, and establishes a presumption favoring approval for ownership transfers of large group practices.

Additionally, the bill outlines a revised application process, including a requirement for public notice in local newspapers and on the reviewing unit's website, as well as a detailed service provision plan for hospital ownership transfers. It mandates a review period of ninety days for completed applications and requires public hearings for hospital ownership transfers. The legislation also allows for the hiring of independent consultants for specialized expertise and establishes an expedited review process for increasing licensed bed capacity. Furthermore, it repeals Section 19a-641, replacing it with provisions for appealing final decisions of the health care unit, with the appeal process prioritized in court. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 664:
APP Joint Favorable: