Physician argues to eliminate Alaska's CON law — 4 insights

Hal Scherz, MD, of Atlanta-based Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, penned a column for Juneau Empire arguing that Alaska legislators must eliminate the state's certificate of need law.

Here's what you should know:

1 Alaskan legislators are debating whether to scrap the state's CON laws.

2. The Senate believes eliminating the laws would increase the state's ability to provide care.

3. The laws were one time mandated by the federal government. Alaska is one of 35 states with the law still active.

4. Dr. Scherz is arguing in favor of eliminating the laws. He said once eliminated, patients will experience the greatest gains, with healthcare costs drastically decreasing. He wrote, "Legislators need to begin to put their constituents ahead of entrenched special interests and outdated and discredited rationing systems."

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