Washington state delayed its decision on Walla Walla, Wash.-based Providence St. Mary Medical Center's application to build an ASC due to a "pivotal unresolved issue," the Union-Bulletin reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. There's an issue with the cost estimate on Providence's certificate of need application, the state Department of Health said.
2. Providence estimated it would cost $3.68 million to open an ASC at the former Walla Walla General Hospital, which closed in 2017. The estimate includes $1.9 million for the surgery center with four operating rooms, $1.5 million for movable equipment and $276,000 for state sales tax.
3. Providence's capital expenditure estimate must cover construction, which will be needed to bring the former hospital structure into compliance, the state said.
4. Providence has until Dec. 21 to submit an updated estimate and timeline, as well as a contractor's testament that the costs are reasonable.
5. The state's decision is now expected in late February 2019. It has already been delayed twice.