Certificate-of-need laws, which govern where healthcare providers can build facilities, have been a hurdle many ASCs have had to clear for years. In October, South Carolina became the latest state to remove the requirement when Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill repealing the state’s certificate-of-need law.
“I think certificate-of-need laws reduce the positive impact ASCs could have on the healthcare system,” Michael Chwalek, senior financial analyst at Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, told Becker’s. “They restrict the number of ASCs through rationing and creating a significant barrier to entry. The time and legal and consulting fees required to gain certificate-of-need approval significantly increase the risk of starting a center.”
Here are the states with no certificate-of-need laws:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Here are the states with certificate-of-need laws that do not apply to ASCs:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.