NC H901

Exempts ambulatory surgical facilities from certificate of need (CON) review if physicians attempt joint ventures with nearby acute care or critical access hospitals, and facilities meet requirements for hospital agreements, emergency transfer capability, and state licensure compliance.

Exempts community hospitals with 200 or fewer acute care beds as of December 31, 2016 from CON review for developing new institutional health services, constructing new health service facilities, and acquiring major medical equipment including MRI machines, lithotripters, and linear accelerators.

Requires physicians or physician groups seeking the ambulatory surgical facility exemption to provide written notification to the Department of Health and Human Services if unable to reach joint venture agreements with the nearest hospital.

Becomes effective October 1, 2017.