MN HF383

Radiation therapy facilities may only be constructed by hospital-owned entities, with a moratorium on new construction in 14 specified counties (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, Carver, Scott, St. Louis, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Chisago, Isanti, and Wright) until August 1, 2014.

After August 1, 2014, new radiation therapy facilities must be controlled by or under common control with a licensed hospital and must be located at least seven miles from any existing radiation therapy facility.

Referring physicians must provide patients needing radiation therapy with a list of all radiation therapy facilities in the specified counties and must disclose any financial interest they have in any radiation therapy facility.

The moratorium exempts relocation or reconstruction of existing facilities within one mile of their original location, with specific exemptions for a Wright County community hospital facility and a Maplewood-to-Woodbury relocation (effective January 1, 2013).

The Commissioner of Health must conduct a study of radiation therapy facility treatment capacity, current and projected service needs for the next ten years, with results due to legislative health committees by March 15, 2013.