Certificate of need bill pits hospitals against ’boutique’ clinics

Alaska Journal:

Proposed legislation to repeal the state’s certificate of need program for equipment in major health care facilities is being eyed cautiously by many facility representatives who feel the program is key to the financial stability of community hospitals.

“(The Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association) recognizes the need to meet the challenges and issues facing the health of our communities, which is exactly why this program is so important,” said Rod Betit, president and chief executive officer of ASHNHA. “An overabundance of medical infrastructure would deny our community hospitals the revenue to provide needed care to everyone who needs it.”

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