The Certificate of Need Improvement Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to modernize the Health Services Planning Program by exempting specific healthcare providers and services from the certificate of need (CON) process. Notably, it exempts digital-only telehealth platforms, federally qualified health centers, and various outpatient and residential behavioral health services. The bill introduces new definitions for "group practice" and "nonpatient care project," removes the three-year maximum on CON applications for active projects, and increases capital expenditure thresholds. Furthermore, it requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to update these thresholds biennially instead of annually.

In addition to these changes, the bill establishes a streamlined registration process for primary, dental, and specialty care providers, as well as virtual provider networks and telehealth platforms. It modifies the composition and size of the Board of Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Naturopathic Physicians, and creates a pathway for graduate social workers to obtain licensure without an examination. The registration process for federally qualified health centers will require minimal information from applicants, with a median review time of 10 business days, and caps registration fees at $100 per year. The bill also amends various sections of the D.C. Official Code to update terminology related to healthcare practices and modifies the licensing process for social workers, allowing for alternative pathways to licensure renewal. The provisions will take effect once their fiscal impact is included in an approved budget and will become law following the Mayor's approval or a Council override of a potential veto.