SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5168

                    AS OF JANUARY 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating an extension for the state health care certificate of need.

SPONSORS: Senators Snyder, Owen and Hargrove

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Staff:  Shannon Murphy (786‑7483)

Hearing Dates: January 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The certificate of need program is administered by the Department of Health.  The certificate of need program was developed to coordinate capital expenditures and to coordinate construction, development and renovation of medical related facilities. 

The certificate of need is valid for a two-year period.  The Department of Health may grant a six-month extension of the certificate if substantial progress has been made to begin  the project.

SUMMARY:

The certificate of need is extended for an additional 24 months for projects located in eligible or distressed areas.  A county qualifies as eligible if the county unemployment rate has exceeded the state average by 20 percent for a three-year period.  A metropolitan area qualifies as eligible if the area unemployment rate has exceeded the state average level of unemployment by 20 percent for one year.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested