MA sets CON rules based on price

Once again, Massachusetts is setting a precedent in how it regulates its healthcare market, this time by rolling out an unusual CON program based on the cost of a proposed facility rather than the type of clinical service providers want to offer.

Soon companies wanting to build a new facility that costs more than $25 million will have to first prove that their services are needed, so as not to merely duplicate healthcare that is already available. Also, physicians wanting to open outpatient surgery centers will have to undergo review to make sure that there is enough need for their surgery in the area they want to build.

The new rules expand existing regulations that set limits on hospital expansions, but exempt outpatient clinics. 

To learn more about the new rules:
- read this Boston Globe piece [1]

Related Articles:
Massachusetts hospitals rate state health plans [2]
MA bond authorities make transactions easier [3]
Doctor shortage slows Massachusetts health reform [4]