WV HB3311

Counties experiencing population growth of 0.5% or greater in any single year from 2020 onward are permanently exempted from certificate of need (CON) requirements for healthcare facility development and services

Exempted counties are specifically freed from CON application requirements, review procedures, and related regulatory provisions under sections 16-2D-8, 16-2D-12, 16-2D-13, and 16-2D-14

The Health Care Authority must publish an annual report beginning July 1, 2025, identifying counties that qualify for the exemption based on population data including births, deaths, immigration, and emigration

Once a county qualifies for the exemption, it remains permanently exempt from CON requirements regardless of future population changes

Replaces existing legislative findings that emphasized orderly, economical healthcare development and avoiding duplication of services with new findings focused on promoting free-market healthcare expansion in growing counties