Legislators have introduced nearly two dozen measures related to certificate of public need (COPN) reform.  VHCA-VCAL is closely reviewing all of the COPN bills to identify any implications for nursing facilities and continues to meet with General Assembly leaders to stress the importance of COPN for the continued delivery of reliable, cost-effective nursing care services. 

Two of the broadest reform measures are HB 874 and HB 1102.  HB 874 introduced by Del. Bobby Orrock (R-Caroline Co.) creates a three-phase process to sunset certificate of public need requirements for most categories of medical care facilities and projects. This bill would retain COPN for nursing facilities.

HB 1102 introduced by Del. Chris Stolle (R-Virginia Beach) is similar to a measure he introduced in 2016 that proposes significant process reforms to the COPN program. This bill also includes language asking the Department of Health to develop recommendations to reduce the duration of the average review cycle for COPN applications, and makes changes to charity care requirements. 

Other bills address specific services like ambulatory surgery centers, open heart services, and neonatal care.