MS SB2702

Authorizes the State Department of Health to issue a Certificate of Need to an acute care hospital in Harrison County with fewer than 150 licensed beds for the addition of up to 9 adult psychiatric beds.

Requires the hospital to agree in writing that the psychiatric beds will be used exclusively for patients with a primary diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Waives the requirement for substantial compliance with the State Health Plan projection of need and waives all other specific or general criteria and standards for reviewing the certificate of need application.

Waives the formal certificate of need hearing process and related review procedures that would normally apply to such applications.

The written agreement restricting bed use to PTSD patients is binding on any subsequent owners of the hospital if ownership is transferred after the certificate of need is issued.