Oklahoma House Bill HB2330

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Certificates of need; repealing Long-Term Care Certificate of Need Act; repealing Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Facility Certificate of Need Act; effective date.

Impact

The repeal of the CON regulations may lead to an increase in the number of long-term care and psychiatric facilities within Oklahoma, potentially improving access to these vital services for residents. Advocates of the bill argue that the current CON process serves as a barrier to entry for new providers, which can slow the growth and accessibility of critical health services in the community. However, there are concerns that unregulated growth could impact the quality of care and service delivery.

Summary

House Bill 2330 seeks to repeal existing laws concerning the certificates of need (CON) for long-term care facilities as well as for psychiatric and chemical dependency facilities in Oklahoma. This legislation aims to simplify the process of establishing such facilities by removing the state-mandated requirement for a CON, which has been regarded as an obstacle for potential service providers in expanding healthcare options. The bill is expected to foster greater competition within the healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of long-term and mental health care services.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 2330 highlight a divide among stakeholders. Supporters believe that repealing the CON requirement will lead to a more competitive environment that can boost service availability and lower costs. Conversely, opponents warn that deregulating these facilities may compromise patient safety and decrease the quality of care as new providers enter the market without stringent oversight. The outcome of this repeal could have far-reaching implications on how healthcare facilities operate in the state.