South Carolina is one of dozens of states that require health facilities to get state permission for many kinds of construction and expansion projects.
Nikki Haley, the state’s governor, has been working to repeal these rules, and the federal government recently weighed in with its support. In a letter and attached statement to Haley, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission wrote that laws requiring a certificate of need impede competition and make such projects more expensive.
"By interfering with the market forces that normally determine the supply of facilities and services, CON laws can suppress supply, misallocate resources, and shield incumbent health care providers from competition from new entrants," federal officials wrote.
State lawmakers are considering a provision that would end the certificate of need requirement in 2018. A 1974 federal law required states to enact the certificate of need process in an effort to control health care costs, but Congress repealed it 13 years later after studies showed it had little effect on cost control.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 15, 2021
COVID-19 has altered the speed and design of healthcare projects, perhaps irrevocably
Healthcare clients want their projects up and running quicker, a task made more complicated by the shortage of skilled labor in many markets.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 15, 2021
MEP design considerations for rural hospitals
Rural hospitals present unique opportunities and challenges for healthcare facility operators. Oftentimes, the infrastructure and building systems have not been updated for years and require significant improvements in order to meet today’s modern medical demands. Additionally, as these smaller, more remote hospitals are acquired by larger regional and national healthcare systems, the first step by new ownership is often to update and rehabilitate the building. But how can this be done thoughtfully, economically, and efficiently in ways that allow the engineering and facility staff to adapt to the changes? And how can the updates accurately reflect the specific needs of rural communities and the afflictions with which these areas most commonly face?
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 7, 2021
Wheeler Kearns Architects completes Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center in Chicago
The new facility will provide medical and social service programs to LGBTQI+ youth.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 23, 2021
Why vertical hospitals might be the next frontier in healthcare design
In this article, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges of high-rise hospital design, as well as the main ideas and themes we considered when designing the new medical facility for the heart of London.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 12, 2021
Centro Hospitalario Serena Del Mar is Safdie Architects’ first project in Latin America
The hospital project is characterized by its connectivity to nature.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 2, 2021
Key design considerations for designing the smart patient room
The complete patient experience encompasses the journey to the hospital, the care experience, and the trip back home. All these touchpoints come with an expectation.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021
14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design
The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.
Healthcare Facilities | Oct 22, 2021
The VA is updating what once was the main hospital on a Florida medical campus
The renovated Building One will provide outpatient services.
Healthcare Facilities | Oct 21, 2021
UW Medical Center starts construction on Behavioral Health Teaching Facility
Will add much-needed patient bed capacity for Seattle.
Healthcare Facilities | Oct 20, 2021
Ware Malcomb completes Princeton Longevity Center at 1 World Trade Center
The project is located on the 71st floor.
