HI HR3

Requests the State Auditor conduct a study of the relevancy of Hawaii's Certificate of Need (CON) process under Chapter 323D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Directs the study to examine the role of the CON program and its effects on improving resident health, increasing accessibility and quality of health services, containing health care costs, and preventing unnecessary duplication of services.

Requires the Auditor to evaluate whether certain facilities, types of facilities, or services should be exempt from the CON process and make recommendations to eliminate or modify the CON process.

Mandates the Auditor submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the Regular Session of 2017.

Notes Hawaii's CON law was established in 1975 following federal requirements that were repealed in 1987, and that 14 states have since dropped their CON programs while others have narrowed their application.