Many Virginia hospitals claimed victory Monday when the state senate used a procedural move to sideline legislation aimed at reforming the certificate of public need law, reports The Virginia Pilot.
As a result of the maneuver, the state's CON law will remain in place until the assembly re-examines the issue in 2017.
Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchberg) said lawmakers held repeated discussions with hospital representatives through the past weekend but were unable to reach a consensus on the reform bill, according to The Virginia Pilot.
The bill to deregulate hospital construction was one of the most heavily lobbied issues of the 2016 general assembly, largely pitting payers and physicians against hospitals. Earlier this year, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association poured $200,000 into an ad campaign to raise public opposition.
More articles on legal issues:
Ex-CEO allegedly bilked $1M from troubled Florida hospital
Florida physician faces 10 years in prison for fraud
Former Sacred Heart physician convicted in kickback scheme