Bill > H5356

This bill modifies the existing Certificate of Need (CON) program within Rhode Island's Department of Health by limiting application fees for new or expanded tertiary or specialty care services. Currently, these applications require a $10,000 fee plus 0.25% of total capital expenditure costs, but the bill caps the total fee at $25,000. The Certificate of Need program is a regulatory process that requires healthcare providers to obtain state approval before making major capital investments or offering new healthcare services, ostensibly to control healthcare costs and prevent unnecessary duplication of medical resources. The bill maintains existing fee structures for other types of CON applications, such as standard reviews ($500 base fee plus 0.25% of capital costs) and expeditious reviews ($750 base fee plus 0.25% of capital costs), while specifically addressing the fees for more complex tertiary or specialty care service applications. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage, providing immediate relief to healthcare providers by establishing a clear maximum fee for these specialized service applications.

Health and Social Services

https://status.rilegislature.gov/