Americans for Prosperity: Time for State House to Repeal Certificate of Need Laws

Apr 26, 2023 by AFP

House Committee approves S.164, sending bill to House floor

COLUMBIA, SC — Americans for Prosperity – South Carolina applauded the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee for 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:

“With today’s committee passage, attention now turns to the full House to repeal our state’s certificate of need laws. This year, I urge Representatives to finally cut the 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.”

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