Fairfax, Va.-based George Mason University found repealing North Carolina's certificate-of-need law would generate savings and boost quality for residents.
Here are nine key findings:
1. The study found the CON law increases healthcare and physician spending.
2. With the CON law, there are 85 ASCs. This number could increase to 99 ASCS without the CON law in North Carolina.
3. There are currently 132 hospitals in the state; This number could total 187 hospitals by stripping the CON legislation.
4. Throughout North Carolina, there are 56 rural hospitals. The study researchers say eliminating the law would increase this number to 80 rural hospitals.
5. Similarly, the number of rural ASCs would increase from 11 to 13 if officials eliminated the CON law in the state.
6. Without the CON law, researchers found there would be a 5.3 percent decrease in post-surgery complications.
7. Patient satisfaction would also increase, according to the researchers. The study found there would be a 4.5 percent increase in patients rating their hospital at least a nine out of 10 without the CON law.
8. Without the law, the number of CT cans would increase 3.6 percent.
9. MRI scans would rally 5.5 percent if legislators repealed the CON rule.