The bill proposes significant amendments to the General Laws concerning the determination of need for new healthcare equipment and services, as well as the licensing of healthcare facilities. It repeals and replaces sections to establish a new Health Services Council, redefines the functions and compensation of its members, and revises the Hospital Conversions Act to include detailed requirements for initial applications for conversions of hospitals. The bill introduces new language that requires extensive documentation for conversions, including a list of deficiencies or charges against the facilities, a detailed justification for any services to be reduced or eliminated, and a transition plan for patient access and employment continuity. It extends the reporting period and planning horizon for staffing changes from three to ten years, aiming to enhance oversight and ensure the conversion process considers the impact on patients, employees, and the community.

The review process for hospital conversions is outlined, with the Department of Attorney General and the Department of Health responsible for concurrent reviews. The bill specifies criteria for review, including the impact on the public interest, due care by the board of trustees, conflicts of interest, fair consideration and value, and the maintenance of the original purposes of the hospital. New insertions include considerations of the impact on employee value or purchase price and the continuation of current employee benefits, wages, and work hours. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance with the chapter's provisions, including fines and disqualification from future applications for failing to fully disclose information or cooperate with state regulators. The act will take effect upon passage, repealing sections that establish the health services council and amending provisions related to service maintenance and required disclosures.

Statutes affected:
2014: 23-15-7