MS HB1494

Repeals sections 41-7-171 through 41-7-209, which constituted the Mississippi Health Care Certificate of Need Law of 1979, eliminating the requirement for certificates of need in health care facility planning.

Amends 23 related sections of Mississippi Code to remove references to certificate of need requirements and provisions that applied to hospitals, home health agencies, ambulatory surgical facilities, birthing centers, and other health care facilities.

Removes certificate of need requirements for critical access hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other health care providers while maintaining state licensing and regulatory authority through the Department of Health.

Eliminates references to certificate of need in provisions governing executive sessions for public hospital boards, strategic business decisions, and health care facility planning and capital improvements.

Takes effect July 1, 2023, and repeals Section 41-9-311 which previously stated that the Rural Health Availability Act did not exempt hospitals from certificate of need compliance.