HI SB2289

Expands exemptions from Hawaii's certificate of need (CON) requirements by adding eight new categories of healthcare facilities and services that no longer need state approval to operate or expand.

Newly exempt facilities include substance abuse treatment programs, intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities, licensed home care agencies, and kidney disease treatment centers including freestanding hemodialysis units.

Hospital neonatal intensive care units and burn care units are exempt from CON requirements for the services they offer.

Healthcare facilities and services located in federally designated medically underserved rural areas are exempt from CON requirements.

Primary care clinics receive a broadened exemption by removing the previous expenditure threshold limitation that restricted their exemption.