What are Certificate of Need Laws?

Certificate of Need (CON) Laws are state regulatory mechanisms that require healthcare providers to obtain government approval before building new facilities, expanding existing ones, or offering certain new services. Providers must demonstrate that a community needs the proposed healthcare service or facility before receiving permission to proceed.

Why are Certificate of Need Laws significant?

• Resource allocation: Originally intended to prevent duplication of services and control healthcare costs.
• Market regulation: Influences the distribution of healthcare facilities and services across communities.
• Access implications: Can affect availability of healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.

Challenges with Certificate of Need Laws

• May restrict competition in healthcare markets.
• Can create barriers to innovative healthcare delivery models.
• Implementation varies significantly across states with different requirements.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand how Certificate of Need laws in your state might impact your access to healthcare services or facilities. They can identify alternative options when services are limited, assist with finding transportation to distant facilities if needed, and advocate for your interests in public discussions about healthcare facility planning in your community.