S.F. No. 67 - Health Care Commission

• Establishes a seven-member Health Care Commission appointed by the governor with senate confirmation to regulate health care services, develop a state health care plan, and issue certificates of need for health care projects.

• Requires certificates of need before building new health care facilities, relocating facilities, changing hospital bed capacity, closing hospitals, or changing the type or scope of health care services.

• Designates regional health care planning boards composed of health care companies, providers, health plans, employers, consumers, and elected officials to make recommendations and develop regional health care plans.

• Authorizes the commissioner of health to petition for involuntary receivership of health care facilities when companies attempt to close, reduce capacity, or change services without obtaining required certificates of need.

• Provides rights of first refusal for local government entities and hospital districts to purchase health care facilities in receivership before private sale, with the commission providing technical assistance to eligible buyers.