AFP-Mississippi Applauds Lawmakers for Advancing Rural Hospital Reform, Calls on Gov. Reeves to Sign HB 1622

Mar 16, 2026 by AFP

Jackson, MS – Americans for Prosperity–Mississippi (AFP–MS) today praised the Mississippi Legislature for passing House Bill 1622, which establishes a Small Community Hospital Pilot Program to provide targeted exemptions from Certificate of Need requirements to help rural hospitals expand critical services. The bill now heads to Governor Tate Reeves’ desk for consideration.

AFP–MS thanks Chairman Sam Creekmore for his leadership in sponsoring the legislation, which marks an important step toward reducing unnecessary government barriers in health care.

AFP-MS State Director Starla Brown released the following statement:

“Mississippi families deserve better access to care, especially in rural communities where options are often limited. We’re grateful to Chairman Sam Creekmore for his leadership in advancing HB 1622 and to lawmakers who supported this important reform.

“HB 1622 represents an encouraging, incremental step toward removing barriers that restrict innovation and limit access to care. Ultimately, Mississippians will benefit most when all Certificate of Need laws are fully eliminated, allowing health care providers to respond directly to patient needs without unnecessary government interference.

“We appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to move Mississippi toward a more patient-centered system and urge Governor Reeves to swiftly sign HB 1622 into law. AFP–MS remains committed to working with policymakers to fully repeal Certificate of Need laws and expand health care access for all Mississippians.”