SB 640 - This act amends the certificate of need (CON) law as follows: (1) limits the radius area for "affected persons" to a 5 mile radius of proposed new development as well as when consideration shall be given to the facilities located within the 5 mile radius when determining if a CON shall be issued;
(2) raises the expenditure minimum for falling under CON review for capital expenditures to one million dollars and for major medical equipment to 2 million dollars;
(3) requires all testimony and other evidence taken during the hearings to be under oath and subject to penalty of perjury;
(4) changes the procedures and evidentiary standard at the certificate of need hearing;
(5) prohibits all ex parte communications between members of the committee and any interested party or witness regarding the subject matter of the hearing at any time prior to, during, or after the hearing and
(6) modifies the membership and requirements for Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee for the Certificate of Need Program (Sections 197.300 to 197.367).
These provisions are substantially similar to HB 2355 (2008).
ADRIANE CROUSE