Americans for Prosperity – Kentucky (AFP-KY) Applauds the Passage of Senate Bill 17
FRANKFORT, KY – Today, the Kentucky State Senate passed Senate Bill 17 (SB17), legislation that removes the Certificate of Need (CON) requirement for freestanding birth centers. Americans for Prosperity – Kentucky (AFP-KY) applauds the Senate for advancing this long-overdue legislation, which will break down bureaucratic barriers to health care innovation and expand maternal care options across Kentucky.
SB 17 is expected to move to the Kentucky State House in the following weeks. AFP-KY remains committed to working with lawmakers to advance this crucial legislation and continue to dismantle the red tape that restricts access to quality care and health care expansion.
AFP-KY State Director Heather LeMire released the following statement:
“For far too long, CON laws have stifled health care innovation, quality of care, and pro-growth investment in Kentucky. The passage of SB 17 gives us hope that we are one step closer to breaking down the barriers that hinder the development of freestanding birthing centers in Kentucky. SB17 will expand life-saving care facilities to mothers, help reduce Kentucky’s maternal mortality rate, and make Kentucky a better state for families and health care providers.
“AFP has been leading the charge against CON laws for years. Legislation to exempt freestanding birthing centers from the CON process has failed numerous times, making the passage of SB 17 a victory for Kentucky. We especially thank Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer for sponsoring this bill. AFP-KY is actively working with lawmakers to ensure this legislation advances through the House and ignites further reforms so Kentuckians can be free of burdensome CON laws, opening up our state to greater opportunities and improved health care outcomes.”
Photos from the Senate vote can be found below:
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