North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council finalized the 2019 State Medical Facilities Plan, a document that could prompt a flurry of growth and development proposals, according to law firm Williams Mullen.
Here are five takeaways:
1. The council finalized the document Oct. 3, and it will now go to Gov. Roy Cooper, D, for consideration.
2. Like the 2018 plan, the 2019 SMFP is expected to pave the way for hospital operating room expansion projects or freestanding ASC proposals by identifying the need for new ORs in various location.
3. The 2019 SMFP is expected to determine a need for six new ORs in Mecklenburg County and six new ORs in New Hanover County, as well as ORs in Wake and Orange Counties.
4. Hospitals expect the plan will also offer opportunities to seek Certificate of Need approval for additional acute care beds in Forsyth, Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties.
5. The 2019 SMFP is likely to limit long-term care development opportunities.