Here are five takeaways:
1. The bill allows health systems to open a freestanding medical facility without needing to obtain a certificate-of-need for the facility.
2. University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health is trying to build a new medical center to serve residents in Hartford County.
3. The new center would offer outpatient and ambulatory care services in addition to housing a behavioral health inpatient center.
4. After the bill was modified, the Senate Finance Committee gave it a favorable report.
5. Critics worry the closing of Harford Memorial and other hospitals will have a negative impact on the community.
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