The Mississippi House Medicaid Committee failed to pass a bill out of committee that would've eliminated the state's certificate of need laws for ASCs and outpatient surgery centers, the Daily Journal reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, made a motion to introduce the bill, but Rep. Joel Bomgar, R-Madison, made a substitute motion to adjourn. Mr. Bomgar's motion unanimously passed while the CON proposal was never considered.
2. The bill could be reintroduced at another committee meeting.
3. Before the proposal failed, state representatives shared several criticisms. Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, argued the bill would award big companies a competitive advantage, while neither lowering cost nor improving access for Mississippi residents.
4. Rep. Hank Zuber, R-Ocean Springs, countered Mr. Holland saying the bill would allow for free market competition in the state's healthcare system.
5. The bill is the latest of several efforts to reduce or eliminate Mississippi's CON laws. Although the bill would still require hospitals to apply for a CON, it would've eliminated the requirement for ASCs or outpatient surgery centers.
Note: All cities are in Mississippi.