SC Certificate Of Need Ruling Goes Against Haley

SUPREME COURT SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE MICROMANAGING HOSPITALS

The S.C. Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) must continue to fund a “certificate of need” program to regulate when hospitals can build new facilities, establish certain new services, make certain capital expenditures or purchase certain new equipment.

Funding for the regulatory program was vetoed by S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley – which is ironic considering the governor was busted lobbying for a certificate of need during her time as a State Representative/ overpaid “fundraiser” for Lexington Medical Center.

The idea of forcing hospitals to obtain these certificates is to prevent duplication of services and  – ostensibly – keep health care costs low.

We oppose the program on principle …

Anyway, here’s the court’s order …

CERTIFICATE OF NEED RULING (.pdf)