Those states are Utah, Texas and North Dakota.
Utah shows arguably the best environment for establishing new ASCs.
- According to recently-released 2020 Census data, it has shown the highest percentage of population growth — 18.4 percent — of any state over the past 10 years.
- Despite the population growth, Utah has fewer ASCs per capita than most other states. With 1.38 ASCs per 100,000 residents, Utah ranks 34th in the nation in that metric.
- Finally, Utah law doesn’t require ASCs to apply for a certificate of need — a process that can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Texas boasts a welcoming environment for new ASCs despite it having the third-most of any state as an absolute number.
- 2020 Census data shows Texas having grown the third-most of any state over the past decade, with a population growth rate of 15.9 percent.
- Texas ranks 29th in the nation in ASCs per capita, with 1.52 surgery centers per 100,000 residents.
- Like Utah, Texas has no CON laws.
North Dakota figures as a prime candidate for new ASCs, especially in two counties near its western border.
- North Dakota, perhaps surprisingly, boasts the fourth-highest growth rate in the nation over the past decade. McKenzie and Williams counties specifically saw explosive growth over the last 10 years — the highest growth rate of any counties in the U.S., in fact. McKenzie County grew by 131.2 percent since 2010, while Williams County grew by 82.8 percent.
- The state lands in the bottom half of states when ranked by ASCs per capita, with 1.67 per 100,000 residents — good for 26th in the nation.
- Like Utah and Texas, North Dakota also features no CON laws.
