Bill > HB07050

This bill makes several modifications to Connecticut's Certificate of Need (CON) program, which regulates the establishment and expansion of healthcare facilities and services. The bill revises the definition of "termination of services" to mean either a combined total of more than 180 days within a two-year period or a continuous period of 30 days or more. It introduces an expedited review process for certain CON applications, particularly those addressing significant unmet healthcare needs in a specific geographic region, such as acquiring specific medical equipment like CT or MRI scanners. The bill also strengthens the review process for hospital ownership transfers by requiring the reviewing unit to consider alternative proposals, assess the impact on healthcare access and affordability, and potentially deny applications that might reduce healthcare provider diversity or increase healthcare costs. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum amount that can be spent on independent consultants reviewing hospital ownership transfer applications from $200,000 to $300,000 and gives the Commissioner of Health Strategy more flexibility in implementing policies while in the process of developing formal regulations. The changes aim to improve healthcare service planning, increase transparency in hospital transfers, and ensure continued access to quality and affordable healthcare across Connecticut.

Health and Social Services

Public Health Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07050&which_year=2025