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HB 498

Certificate of Need - Intermediate Health Care Facilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonnie Cullison

HB 498 modifies Maryland's Certificate of Need requirements for intermediate health care facilities to adjust regulatory approval procedures for long-term care expansion and operations.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 69
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Bill Summary · HB 498

Legislative bill overview

HB 498 modifies Maryland's Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for intermediate health care facilities, which are long-term care settings providing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The bill appears to adjust regulatory thresholds or procedures for facilities seeking approval to operate or expand in the state. This legislation passed its second reading in late February 2026.

Why is this important

Certificate of Need laws control healthcare facility expansion and can significantly impact access to long-term care services, healthcare costs, and competition in the industry. Changes to CON requirements directly affect how quickly new facilities can open, where services become available, and ultimately patient access to intermediate care options. Maryland's aging population makes intermediate care capacity an increasingly critical policy issue.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. market access: Loosening CON requirements may increase competition and facility availability, but critics may argue it reduces state oversight of quality and cost controls
  • Geographic equity: Changes could favor development in profitable urban areas while leaving rural regions underserved, or vice versa depending on specific modifications
  • Healthcare cost implications: Stakeholders disagree on whether CON reform reduces or increases overall long-term care costs and whether it benefits consumers or primarily corporate operators

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

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