Stakeholders clashed over proposed changes to Georgia's certificate of need law that would loosen restrictions on ASCs, the Albany Herald reports.
What you should know:
1. During a legislative hearing Feb. 14, lawmakers discussed House Bill 198 and Senate Bill 74, which would replace Georgia's CON structure with a less-restrictive licensing framework.
2. Proponents say it will help stabilize rural hospitals, promote transparency among nonprofits and lower healthcare costs. It would also permit Legacy Sports Institute to build a sports medicine center in Alpharetta, Ga.
3. The physician community "is split right down the center'" on the issue, Marietta, Ga.-based WellStar Health System's Rob Schreiner, MD, said during the hearing. He opposed the bills, saying Georgia already has enough ASCs.
4. Sixty rural hospitals in the state oppose the bill, according to Georgia Hospital Association Vice President Ethan James. However, some hospitals voiced support of increasing the rural hospital tax credit and improving financial transparency for nonprofits.