Connecticut Senate Bill SB00170

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An Act Eliminating The Certificate Of Need Program For Health Care Providers.

Impact

If enacted, the elimination of the CON program may lead to a more competitive healthcare marketplace. Supporters of the bill argue that removing this regulation will lower the entry barriers for new healthcare providers, thereby fostering greater access to care and improving patient outcomes. They contend that the current CON process stifles innovation and leads to inefficiencies in healthcare service delivery.

Summary

SB00170 is a bill introduced in the General Assembly aiming to eliminate the Certificate of Need (CON) program for healthcare providers. The CON program is a regulatory process that requires healthcare providers to get state approval before building new facilities or expanding existing ones. By abolishing this program, the bill seeks to remove bureaucratic barriers for healthcare expansion, potentially increasing the number of healthcare facilities and services available to the public.

Contention

However, the bill has faced opposition from groups concerned about potential overexpansion and the impact on existing facilities. Critics express that without the CON program, there is a risk of healthcare providers prioritizing profit over patient care. They worry that easily allowing new facilities could lead to an oversaturation of services in certain areas while neglecting others that are underserved. This concern highlights the ongoing debate regarding the balance between deregulation and the need for structured oversight in the healthcare sector.