Senate Bill No. 1539 seeks to amend the Certificate of Need (CON) regulations for health care facilities in the state by introducing several significant changes. The bill repeals and replaces subsection (a) of section 19a-638, establishing new requirements for obtaining a CON for the establishment of freestanding emergency departments, outpatient surgical facilities, cardiac services, and the acquisition of advanced imaging equipment. It also mandates a CON for private equity companies acquiring controlling interests in health care facilities and removes certain exemptions, such as those related to the termination of outpatient surgical services due to low patient volume. Additionally, the bill revises section 19a-639 to emphasize the need for applicants to demonstrate public need, financial feasibility, and the impact on health care quality, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Moreover, SB1539 introduces new definitions and requirements for hospital ownership transfers, including the necessity for an independent consultant to monitor compliance with approval conditions for hospitals with significant net patient revenue. The bill outlines a detailed application process, including public notice requirements and a tiered fee structure, while also establishing an expedited review process for increasing licensed bed capacity. It prohibits the termination of labor and delivery services unless alternative options are available within a specified distance and restricts intervenor status in public hearings for group practice applications. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is expected to incur additional costs for the Office of Health Strategy to support the new requirements.

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