The Substitute House Bill No. 5045 aims to reform the Certificate of Need (CON) process for health care facilities in Connecticut, establishing a new framework that will take effect on October 1, 2026. The bill introduces a three-member panel within the Department of Public Health to oversee CON applications, which will include the Commissioner of Public Health, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, and the Commissioner of Social Services. It specifies that a CON will be required for establishing new health care facilities, changes in ownership or control, and acquisitions of certain medical imaging equipment, while also defining "change of ownership or control" to include various corporate transactions. Notably, the bill eliminates the requirement for CON approval for certain facilities and services, such as those owned by the federal government and outpatient surgical facilities, and allows for the replacement of imaging equipment without a CON, provided the Department of Public Health is notified.

Additionally, the bill mandates that applicants submit a notice to the Certificate of Need Unit at least thirty days before the application deadline and establishes a timeline for the review process, including public hearings for complete applications. It introduces an expedited review pathway for certain applications and outlines criteria for evaluating CON applications, emphasizing public interest and cost-effective care. The bill also increases civil penalties for non-compliance from $1,000 to $5,000 per day and requires a cost and market impact review for significant ownership transfers. Overall, sHB5045 seeks to streamline the CON process while ensuring regulatory oversight and maintaining access to high-quality health care services.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 83: