2018 Senate Bill 975

Repeal healthcare facility rationing (“certificate of need” law)

Introduced in the Senate

May 3, 2018

Introduced by Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-7)

To repeal a state Certificate of Need (CON) law that requires prospective hospitals, clinics and other potential health care providers to get permission from a commission comprised of incumbent providers before a new entrant can open a new clinic or hospital. The law also applies to existing facilities adding certain expensive diagnostic and other equipment such as MRIs and CAT scans. This and similar laws in other states were enacted under a federal mandate in the 1970s with the intention of lowering health care spending by reducing investment in the field; 15 states have repealed the laws but 35 states including Michigan still have them.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy