Bill > SB337

This bill modifies Missouri's Certificate of Need (CON) program, which regulates the development of new healthcare facilities and services. The legislation updates definitions and processes for obtaining certificates of need, including expanding the definition of "health care facilities" to explicitly include facilities licensed under chapter 198, long-term care hospital beds, and certain long-term care facilities. Key changes include lowering the expenditure threshold for CON requirements, removing language about major medical equipment, and simplifying the process for transferring ownership of existing healthcare facilities. The bill removes the requirement for a CON for certain equipment and research purposes, and adjusts the application process by setting a standard application fee of $1,000 or one-tenth of one percent of the project's total cost, whichever is greater. The legislation also clarifies that CON will not be denied if an applicant refuses to provide abortion services, and allows facilities to return to a higher level of care without obtaining a new CON. Additionally, the bill updates provisions related to health services corporations, requiring them to provide benefits to ambulatory surgical centers on the same basis as other healthcare facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=506