To repeal a state Certificate of Need (CON) law that requires prospective hospitals, clinics and other potential medical care providers and facilities get permission from a commission comprised of industry incumbents 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in the 1970s with the intention of lowering health care spending by reducing investment in the field; 15 states have repealed the laws but 35 states including Michigan still have them.   Official Text and Analysis.