Republicans in the Florida legislature are working to eliminate the state's certificate of need regulations, according to a WSFU article.
Here are five key notes:
1. The CON legislation in the state governs where hospitals and healthcare providers can build their facilities.
2. Republican lawmakers argue the CON doesn't control healthcare costs in the state and hasn't led to better quality outcomes. They argue licensure and specialty accreditation are more effective at improving quality of care.
3. A group of lawmakers in the state have been attempting to repeal the CON for at least three years as part of the Florida House's efforts to encourage competition in healthcare.
4. Advocates for the CON argue it improves access to care and ensures there are enough providers in regions that clinicians otherwise wouldn't practice in.
5. The Florida legislature is also considering a bill that would allow ASCs to keep patients overnight and recovery care centers to keep patients for up to 72 hours. Both bills face opposition from Democrats who have concerns about eroding the state's hospital infrastructure.