January 13, 2022

SC could make it easier for hospitals to build in a new location, opening access to patients

Lawmakers are pushing a bill that aims to increase patient access to health care by eliminating a process to require medical providers to get state approval to build new hospitals or other medical facilities and obtain large medical equipment. South Carolina state senators on Wednesday began debating whether to get rid of a process that determines whether hospitals can build out new facilities, a process called certificate of need. The debate is expected to take several days. Lawmakers pushing the bill say it will increase access to care and lower costs by increasing competition. Continue reading.