Deregulation, an aging population and innovative technology are among the factors turning Jacksonville, Fla., into one of the largest hubs for rehabilitation hospitals in the country, according to a June 15 Florida Times-Union report.
Two new standalone facilities housing a total of 110 beds were opened in the city in 2022. Another two are expected to bring 98 more when they open later this year.
"We are experiencing significant growth in Northeast Florida," Doug Baer, president and CEO of Jacksonville-based Brooks Rehabilitation said in the report. "This growth, combined with an aging population that requires more rehabilitation, has driven the construction of the new hospitals."
The trend is happening across the country, but "not at the pace that is occurring in Florida," Mr. Baer added.
Birmingham, Ala.-based Encompass Health is planning to open seven more rehab hospitals in Florida over the next three years.
The lifting of the certificate of need requirement in Florida in 2019 is one of the reasons behind the "building boom," as is the growing retirement community. Technology improvements are also increasing the numbers of people surviving serious conditions, leading to more people attending such post-acute care facilities, the report said.
Editor's note: This update reflects the fact that Encompass Health is planning seven new rehab facilties in Florida, not in Jacksonville as originally written.