The Health and Human Services Committee voted 10 to 8 to recommend passage of HB 1642, a bill that would allow for-profit Cancer Treatment Centers of America to build a center without prior approval from a CON board. The committee did modify some provisions, however. Now, CON exemption would apply to any “specialty hospital,” not to only “destination cancer hospitals.” In addition, the committee cut a provision that would have exempted hospitals from the Medicaid Enhancement Tax and a requirement that 65 percent of patients come from out of state.
House leadership said the bill would encourage hospital companies like CTCA to build in the area, which would create jobs and generate revenue, according to the report. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Hospital Association, say the bill would benefit for-profit facilities at the expense of non-profit hospitals.
The bill will now go before the full House.
More Articles on Certificates of Need:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America Proposal Sparks Opposition in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Bill Would Repeal Certificate of Need Process
North Carolina Legislators Attempt to Streamline CON Process
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