HB 2589 - DIGEST

Subjects the relocation of licensed beds to a new or existing health care facility to a certificate of need review.

Requires the criteria for a review of certificate of need applications to include consideration of the following: In the case of relocating beds to a new or existing health care facility, the effect on the ability of the population presently served to reasonably access health care services. This includes consideration of the ability of low-income persons, minorities, persons with disabilities, other underserved groups, and the elderly to access health care services based on proximity and transportation.

States that upon completion of the construction of a project, if the number of beds is less than the number allowed by the certificate of need, the remaining beds are forfeited and the bed capacity is the facility's final certificate of need authorized bed count.