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HB 5293

AN ACT STREAMLINING THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lezlye Zupkus

HB 5293 accelerates Connecticut's Certificate of Need approval process to reduce delays in healthcare facility capital projects and service expansion decisions.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
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Bill Summary · HB 5293

Legislative bill overview

HB 5293 aims to streamline Connecticut's Certificate of Need (CON) process, which currently requires healthcare facilities to obtain state approval before making major capital expenditures or service expansions. The bill would modify procedural requirements and timelines to reduce bureaucratic delays in healthcare facility planning and development. Specific amendments to the CON review process are under consideration to balance regulatory oversight with operational efficiency.

Why is this important

Connecticut's CON process has historically created delays that can slow healthcare infrastructure improvements, equipment acquisitions, and service expansion for months or years. Streamlining this process could enable faster responses to community health needs, reduce costs associated with prolonged approval periods, and improve competitiveness for healthcare providers seeking to modernize facilities. Conversely, weakening CON requirements may reduce state oversight of healthcare spending and facility development.

Potential points of contention

  • Market access vs. cost control: Streamlining CON could increase healthcare competition and access but may reduce the state's ability to prevent costly duplication of services and maintain cost accountability
  • Rural healthcare concerns: Rural hospitals and providers may worry that expedited approvals favor larger urban healthcare systems with greater resources and sophistication in applications
  • Public health planning: Public health advocates may argue that reduced scrutiny compromises the state's ability to ensure facilities meet community health priorities rather than purely financial incentives

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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