New Item: CON Follow-Up Report Procedure Changes Now in Effect! See Memo of September 22, 2008 and Follow-Up Report Procedures (pdf)
The Certificate of Need (CON) Program is designed to promote cost containment, prevent unnecessary duplication of health care facilities and services, guide the establishment of health facilities and services which best serve public needs and ensure that high quality health services are provided.
A CON is required prior to expanding the type or scope of health services or undertaking any new health service. Application materials are available from the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services Development, S.C. DHEC, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. DHEC may not issue a CON unless the application complies with the project review criteria and the current South Carolina Health Plan. The regulations governing the CON process may be found in Regulation 61-15 Certification of Need for Health Facilities and Services. The State Health Plan outlines the need for medical facilities and services in the state.
A CON is required for:
- the construction or establishment of a new health care facility;
- the addition of one or more beds or change in the licensure of one or more beds;
- certain capital expenditures;
- the offering of certain health services;
- the acquisition of medical equipment; and
- the acquisition or change in ownership or controlling interest of a health care facility.
Certificate of Public Advantage
The Certificate of Public Advantage allows for cooperative agreements among hospitals, health care purchasers and other health care providers. It is intended to foster improvements in the quality of health care, moderate cost increases, improve access to needed services in rural areas and enhance the likelihood that rural hospitals can remain open.
A Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) means the formal approval by the Department, including any conditions or modifications, of a contract, business or financial arrangement or other activities or practices between two or more health providers, health provider networks or health care purchasers that might be otherwise be construed to be violations of state or federal antitrust laws. This is a voluntary program, but the issuance of a COPA is intended to shield the activity from antitrust challenges. Applicants must show that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages caused by their potential adverse effects on competition.
Bureau of Health Facilities and Services Development
SC DHEC
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, S.C. 29201
Frequently Asked Questions
For questions regarding the Certificate of Need process and program please contact Christopher Ward at 803-545-4200.
OR
For questions regarding the Exemption and Non-Applicability Determinations please contact Sallie Harrell at 803-545-4200.
What projects are exempt from Certificate of Need review?
Non-medical projects, such as refinancing existing debt, roof replacement, parking garages, computer systems, etc.; the upgrading of facilities which do not involve additional square feet or additional health services; replacements of like equipment with similar capabilities; facilities owned and operated by the federal government; federal facilities operated by the state; educational and penal institutional infirmaries for the exclusive use of their population; and facilities owned and operated by the S.C. Department of Mental Health and the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs except for the addition of total beds.
What is currently under review?
The Notification of Filing and Affected Persons is published the fourth (4th) Friday of every month within the South Carolina State Register. Below you may view the links to the Notification as posted in the past three (3) months.
- September 2008 (pdf)
- August 2008 (pdf)
- July 2008 (pdf)
In addition, through subscription, the Department publishes the Certificate of Need Update. The Update is mailed monthly and includes expanded project information such as;
Facility Name
Address
Contact Person
Contact Phone #
DHEC Reviewer
Full Project Description
Total Project Cost
Application Status within the Review Process
Nonapplicability Determinations
Exemption Determinations
Appeal Status
Notifications and Board Agenda Items
The subscription fee for the Certificate of Need Update is $120/year. If you wish to receive copies of this monthly publication, click on the link below, please type or print all information and mail to the address provided.
Certificate of Need Update Application Form (pdf)
How long is a Certificate of Need valid?
A CON is valid for six months from the date of issuance except for construction, replacement, major renovations or additions to an acute care hospital, in which case a CON is valid for one year. Extensions may be granted by DHEC if substantial progress can be documented.
Can ownerships of a Certificate of Need be transferred?
A CON is valid only for the project described in the application. A CON is nontransferable and a change in controlling interest or majority ownership of the entity holding the CON results in the voidance of a CON.