Here are six things to know:
1. Since Maryland’s first free-standing facility opened in 1970, the state has only added two other stand-alone medical facilities in Germantown and Queenstown.
2. Current legislation requires hospital administrators to obtain a certificate-of-need to open an outpatient center, which is often a lengthy process that can take months, or even years.
3. The proposed legislation would allow free-standing facilities with hospitals containing a CON to have a more streamlined process.
4. Those opposed to the legislation argue it allows hospitals to reduce services and avoid criticism from communities if officials try to close a hospital. The legislation requires hospitals receive input from the public.
5. Sen. Thomas Middleton, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, proposed the legislation to help hospitals meet requirements to maintain a special Medicare waiver. Maryland is the only state with a wavier, which sets the rates hospitals may charge private payers and Medicare.
6. The Maryland Health Care Commission and the Health Services Cost Review Commission both supported the legislation. The organizations set hospital rates in Maryland.
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