HB 437 - Certificates of Need for Hospitals Summary

• Excludes general hospitals from certificate-of-need review requirements, allowing them to be established or expanded without agency approval based on specific review criteria.

• Simplifies application requirements for general hospitals, requiring only a detailed project description, location information defined by zip code, and proof of financial ability to operate within 120 days of approval.

• Requires hospitals providing pediatric cardiac catheterization, pediatric open-heart surgery, organ transplantation, neonatal intensive care, psychiatric services, or comprehensive rehabilitation to meet minimum licensure standards adopted by the agency.

• Repeals the rural hospital replacement facility statute and deletes outdated licensure provisions for cardiovascular services and burn units.

• Effective date: July 1, 2016.