Senate Bill 2661 Summary

• Increases capital expenditure thresholds requiring certificate of need review: $5,000,000 for clinical health services and $10,000,000 for nonclinical health services (adjusted for inflation), up from previous thresholds.

• Expands definition of "change of ownership" to include changes in major medical equipment, health services, and institutional health services, in addition to facility ownership changes.

• Clarifies application procedures: applicants must give 15 days' notice before filing; department must recommend approval or disapproval within 45 days of complete application or within 15 days of providing requested information.

• Modifies hearing procedures: public hearing requests must be filed within 10 days of department staff recommendation (changed from 20 days); hearings must commence within 60 days unless parties agree to extend; hearing officers must issue recommendations within 45 days.

• Establishes separate appeal procedures for home health agencies (direct appeal to Chancery Court of First Judicial District of Hinds County) versus other health care facilities (appeal to chancery court in facility's county with 120-day decision deadline).

• Allows applicants to request written determination of reviewability from department within 45 days for proposed projects that may require certificate of need review.