Senate Republicans to again seek certificate of need repeal

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Senate Republicans are trying again to end North Carolina’s certificate of need laws, which require state approval before hospitals and other large health facilities can offer more beds, build new locations or purchase expensive equipment.

Sen. Ralph Hise of Spruce Pine said Tuesday a bill debated next week in a committee would repeal the regulations in early 2021. Hise says it’s time for a deadline after much study on the issue. Hise says certificate of need regulations are burdensome on medical providers and contribute to rising health care costs.

Last year’s Senate budget contained a requirement phase-out by 2019 but it wasn’t in the final spending plan.

The North Carolina Hospital Association strongly opposes repeal. Lobbyist Cody Hand says the regulations stabilize markets in a time of severe industry uncertainty.

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