CT HB05045

Transfers Certificate of Need (CON) decision-making authority from the Office of Health Strategy to a new three-person panel within the Department of Public Health, consisting of the Commissioners of Public Health, Social Services, and the Secretary of Policy and Management, effective January 1, 2027

Establishes a new Certificate of Need Unit within DPH to process applications, with quarterly submission deadlines (March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1) and requires public hearings within 90 days of a complete application being filed

Requires CON approval for establishing new health care facilities, changes of ownership/control of health care facilities, group practice ownership changes involving $10+ million in assets/revenue or private equity, acquisition of certain imaging equipment (CT, MRI, PET scanners), and increases of 2+ operating rooms within three years

Mandates cost and market impact reviews for hospital ownership transfers involving purchasers with over $1 billion in net patient revenue or for-profit entities, with consultant costs capped at $250,000 per application paid by the purchaser

Requires hospitals to provide 90 days' notice before terminating services (excluding emergency departments) and submit plans ensuring continued access to care, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day for violations of CON requirements