MS HB848

Removes chemical dependency services and facilities, intermediate care facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric residential treatment facilities from certificate of need (CON) requirements.

Requires the State Department of Health to disapprove CON applications that fail to confirm the applicant will provide a reasonable amount of indigent care, or if admission policies deny access to indigent patients, or if approval would significantly harm existing facilities' ability to provide indigent care.

Defines "reasonable amount of indigent care" as an amount comparable to care offered by other providers of the same service in the same or proximate geographic area, to be determined by the State Health Officer.

Removes all references to CON law from birthing center licensure statutes (Sections 41-77-1, 41-77-5, 41-77-21, 41-77-23, and 41-77-25).

Takes effect July 1, 2024.