FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Majority Leader Davey Hiott
May 3, 2023 803-734-3139
HOUSE REPUBLICANS REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED (CON)
REMOVING BARRIERS TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
(Columbia, S.C.) - The SC House of Representatives passed S.164 that will eliminate our state’s cumbersome and anti-competitive Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for most healthcare providers. Currently, these regulations require healthcare providers to obtain government approval before expanding or establishing new healthcare facilities or services. Repealing CON requirements will increase competition and incentivize healthcare providers to improve quality and efficiency in order to attract patients, ultimately leading to better access to healthcare, lower costs for patients, and improved outcomes for patients. Removing unnecessary barriers to entry for new providers will allow for more innovative and cost-effective approaches to delivering healthcare services.
“This important legislation moves the needle when it comes to our constant goal of further developing and strengthening our state’s economy,” said House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter). “Not only will it provide more healthcare access to our citizens, but it will produce jobs and positive economic activity which benefits us all.”
“By eliminating unnecessary government regulations, we will encourage innovation and improve the overall health of our citizens,“ said Sylleste Davis, Chairman of the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (R-Berkeley). “This will increase access to healthcare in our state, lower costs, and put patients first, which is our goal.”
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