June 16, 2010
Complimentary Teleconference
Archived media:
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (board), formerly known as the Health Facilities Planning Board, is authorized to establish a procedure that requires a person or entity establishing, constructing or modifying a healthcare facility to obtain a certificate of need (CON) permit before initiating the proposed project.
On March 1, 2010, the board's membership changed once again, growing from five to nine members. The new members will likely add more uncertainty to a process already considered unpredictable and incomprehensible to a casual observer. CON applicants must consider the background and particular interests of each board member. Understanding the issues that motivate a specific board member will not guarantee the approval of a CON permit application, but knowing this information will enhance an applicant's ability to gain project approval.
The increased membership is just one component of a CON reform law adopted by the Illinois legislature last year (S.B. 1905, Public Act 93-41). Several other important provisions were adopted and now impact the CON process. Furthermore, the board has pending rules that will likely affect some or all of the provider groups subject to CON.
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