Aiken (S.C.) Regional Medical Centers has responded to a recommendation by federal antitrust agencies that South Carolina repeal its certificate of need laws, according to the Aiken Standard.
The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission recently recommended South Carolina do away with its CON laws because they can prevent the efficient functioning of healthcare markets and thereby harm consumers. The agencies gave their recommendation in response to a request by South Carolina Gov. Nikki R. Haley for views on a bill, which would ultimately repeal the state's CON laws.
Regarding the recent recommendation to repeal South Carolina's CON laws, Aiken Regional Medical Centers CEO Vance Reynolds voiced his support of the laws.
"The certificate of need process is very important in order for hospitals to continue to provide full-service healthcare that supports the needs of the community," Mr. Reynolds said in an email to the Aiken Standard.
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Editor's Note: This story was updated on Jan. 20, 2016.