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 that require 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 the need for public necessity, financial feasibility, and the impact on health care accessibility and quality when reviewing CON applications, and establishes a presumption favoring approval for ownership transfers of large group practices.

Additionally, the bill outlines new definitions and requirements for hospital ownership transfers, including the need for community access to quality healthcare to be considered in applications. It mandates the hiring of an independent consultant to monitor compliance with post-transfer conditions for three years and denies applications for terminating labor and delivery services unless alternatives are available within a 25-mile radius. The application process is revised to include a tiered fee structure and public notice requirements, while also establishing an expedited review process for increasing licensed bed capacity. The bill aims to enhance transparency, public involvement, and oversight in the CON application process, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

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