A coalition of 1,100 Tennessee physicians representing 25 medical practices is currently pushing for legislation that would remove certificate of need requirements for equipment purchases or the addition of new service lines by healthcare providers in the state, according to a report by The Tennessean.
The physicians claim that the legal costs and application fees associated with adding new equipment or services are a burden and are hopeful Republican Governor Bill Haslam and a "business-friendly legislature" could get a bill passed, according to the report.
If a bill is passed, only new hospitals or clinics, expansions and new facility locations would require CON approval.
The Tennessee Hospital Association opposes the measure, arguing allowing physicians to offer new services without justifying their need could hurt hospitals, especially rural and safety net facilities, as hospitals are required to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, while physicians are not.
Read The Tennessean report on Tennessee certificate of need requirements.
Read more coverage on recent certificate of need applications:
- New York's Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center Submit Joint CON for Urgent Care Center
- Virginia's Shore Health Services Files CON for New Hospital
The physicians claim that the legal costs and application fees associated with adding new equipment or services are a burden and are hopeful Republican Governor Bill Haslam and a "business-friendly legislature" could get a bill passed, according to the report.
If a bill is passed, only new hospitals or clinics, expansions and new facility locations would require CON approval.
The Tennessee Hospital Association opposes the measure, arguing allowing physicians to offer new services without justifying their need could hurt hospitals, especially rural and safety net facilities, as hospitals are required to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, while physicians are not.
Read The Tennessean report on Tennessee certificate of need requirements.
Read more coverage on recent certificate of need applications:
- New York's Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center Submit Joint CON for Urgent Care Center
- Virginia's Shore Health Services Files CON for New Hospital