A Kentucky administrative law judge approved Cincinnati-based The Christ Hospital's certificate-of-need application to build an ASC in Fort Mitchell, Ky., according to Northern Kentucky Tribune.
Here are five key points:
1. The ASC costs $24 million.
2. Kentucky-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare opposes the surgery center and plans to appeal the decision. The health system said its appeal will focus on a loophole in the CON process that a state administration created in 2015.
3. Northern Kentucky Tribune reports the state changed the CON Ambulatory Surgery Center review criteria in August 2015. The amendment permitted outside entities to perform procedures even if they did not have specific identification. It was during this time that The Christ Hospital submitted its CON application.
4. Regarding the judge's recent approval, St. Elizabeth CEO Garren Colvin said in a statement, "We are obviously disappointed in the decision. We will pursue the appropriate appeals process. Our challenge will be directed to the loophole created by the previous administration that has already been removed from the state health plan."
5. The Christ Hospital President and CEO Mike Keating issued a statement on the heels of the judge's decision stating, "Today's ruling will provide consumers and our patients with more healthcare options. We now will be able to extend our exceptional surgical care in the areas of orthopedics, urology and gynecology to the residents of Northern Kentucky."