OR SB1162

Requires individuals or entities to obtain a certificate of need from the Oregon Health Authority before establishing a new hospice program or expanding/relocating into a new service area, defined as a 60-mile radius from the physical location

Applications must include project description, evidence of community need, financial projections, and analysis of impact on existing hospice providers, with a public hearing held within 60 days and decision issued within 90 days after

Oregon Health Authority evaluates applications based on community need, accessibility for underserved populations, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with quality standards

Civil penalty of up to $50,000 may be imposed for operating a hospice program without a valid certificate of need, in addition to existing penalties of $1,000 per day (up to $10,000 per 30-day period) for license violations

Certificate of need requirements become operative January 1, 2027, with the bill declared an emergency and effective upon passage