MN SF4437

Authorizes construction of new hospitals or bed capacity increases in medically underserved counties outside the seven-county metropolitan area without certificate of need restrictions, defined as counties with any portion designated as a health professional shortage area by the federal secretary of health and human services.

Hospitals in medically underserved counties outside the seven-county metropolitan area may optionally submit plans to the commissioner for public interest review, whereas hospitals in other areas must submit plans if seeking bed increases or new hospital licenses.

Adds "medically underserved county" definition to sections 144.551 and 144.552, applying consistently across hospital construction and modification regulations throughout Minnesota health care statutes.

Maintains existing exemptions and special project authorizations for specific hospitals and regions, including provisions for national referral centers, pediatric specialty hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and trauma centers.

Requires hospitals completing approved construction projects to submit reports within 30 days documenting how construction met provisions of originally submitted plans.