S.F. Considers Measure To Boost Regulation of Hospital Construction
Last week, the San Francisco Health Commission held a hearing on proposed legislation that would authorize the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to regulate or reject private hospital expansion projects in the city, the San Francisco Business Times reports.
Proposal Details
The measure, introduced by Supervisor David Campos, partly is based on so-called certificate-of-need programs, which are used in more than 30 states. Such programs typically require hospitals to prove to regulators that proposed new facilities or expansion projects fill a need that is not being met in a particular area.
Campos' proposal would make it difficult for hospitals to expand or shrink their operations unless their plans align with the city's forthcoming master health care plan.
It is unclear whether the measure would be retroactive and affect facilities that already are in planning stages.
Supporters, Opponents
Supporters of Campos' proposal say city officials need better data on local health care needs and the possible effects of hospital construction projects.
Opponents of the plan -- which include the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California -- say the measure could stifle current and future health care facility building projects.
Next Up
San Francisco's Planning Commission is scheduled to review the measure on Oct. 28 (Rauber, San Francisco Business Times, 9/24).
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