Americans for Prosperity Applauds House Subcommittee for Passing Repeal of Certificate of Need Laws

Apr 18, 2023 by AFP

COLUMBIA, SC — Americans for Prosperity – South Carolina applauded the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Subcommittee for unanimously passing S.164 to repeal certificate of need (CON) regulations for most healthcare facilities. In February, the State Senate approved the repeal of CoN by an overwhelming 30-6 vote.

CON laws make it difficult to open new medical facilities. A 2021 study found the number of hospitals in South Carolina could increase from 82 to 116, without CON. In rural areas, nine new hospitals could open.

AFP-SC State Director Candace Carroll released the following statement:

“I am excited to see the House start to move on a full repeal of our state’s certificate of need laws. This burdensome red tape stands in the way of opening new mental health facilities, launching new OB-GYN offices in rural counties, or adding more substance abuse treatment beds. We are now one step closer to giving South Carolinians more options at affordable prices closer to home.”

In January, AFP-SC launched a six-figure ad campaign urging the repeal of CoN laws.