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SB 444

Certificate of Need - Intermediate Health Care Facilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Kramer

SB 444 modifies Maryland's Certificate of Need requirements for intermediate health care facilities, streamlining regulatory approval and potentially increasing facility expansion and healthcare competition.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 68
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Bill Summary · SB 444

Legislative bill overview

SB 444 modifies Maryland's Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for intermediate health care facilities, potentially exempting or streamlining the regulatory approval process for certain facility types or expansions. The bill has advanced through committee review and passed its second reading with favorable reports from the Finance Committee.

Why is this important

Certificate of Need laws control whether new health care facilities can open or existing ones can expand, directly affecting healthcare access, competition, and costs in Maryland. Changes to CON requirements can either increase provider competition and lower barriers to care, or reduce regulatory oversight depending on the specific exemptions granted.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare access vs. cost control: Exempting facilities from CON review may increase competition and access but could reduce oversight of healthcare spending and quality standards
  • Market protectivity concerns: Opponents may argue that streamlining CON requirements protects incumbent providers from competition, while supporters contend it reduces bureaucratic delays
  • Equity implications: Changes could disproportionately affect rural or underserved areas depending on which facility types receive exemptions, potentially creating healthcare deserts or concentrating services in profitable urban markets

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

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