Bill > S1149

This bill amends existing law to require hospitals to provide 120 days' notice to the Department of Public Health before closing or discontinuing any essential health service, with the department defining what constitutes an "essential service." The hospital must demonstrate support or non-opposition from affected municipalities, or evidence of providing them an opportunity to comment, and this information is crucial for the notice to be considered valid. If a hospital proposes to discontinue essential services, the department will assess their necessity for the community, require a plan to ensure continued access, and may establish a community oversight committee including municipal representatives, hospital staff, and a religious representative to monitor the plan's execution. The department will also conduct a public hearing before making a decision and, for new acute-care hospitals, applicants must submit a plan for community benefits, including essential health services, though waivers are possible for those already providing significant community contributions. If a hospital discontinues an essential service without departmental approval, the Attorney General can seek an injunction to maintain the service, and the hospital may be ineligible for future applications for three years or until the service is restored or an approved plan is in place.