Bill > SB82

This bill amends Alabama law to remove the requirement for a "certificate of need" (CON) for new or expanded healthcare facilities and services located in rural areas, as defined by the bill to include areas outside of metropolitan statistical areas listed in a specific 2020 federal bulletin. Previously, healthcare providers needed to obtain this certificate from the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to ensure that new facilities or services were necessary and aligned with the State Health Plan, preventing unnecessary duplication and controlling costs. The bill specifically adds language to the definition of "covered health care reporter" to include these rural facilities and introduces a new section stating that any new institutional health service proposed in a rural area on or after October 1, 2026, will not be subject to CON review. Additionally, the bill repeals a section related to exemptions for certain kidney disease treatment centers and sets the effective date for these changes to October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

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