The Future of Health Care in Virginia: A Discussion on Certificate of Public Need Laws

The U.S. health care system is as complex as it is crucial. Some of that complexity stems from a little known and less understood regulation, common in many states. Known as “certificate of need” (CON) laws these regulations require providers to obtain permission from a state board before they may open a new facility, expand an existing facility, offer a new service, or purchase a new piece of equipment.

Currently, the Commonwealth of Virginia — along with 35 other states and the District of Columbia — maintains a CON program or as Virginia refers to it as “certificate of public need” (COPN) program. Many states contend that these programs increase care for the needy while many hospitals claim they are vital to ensuring quality health care.

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University invites you to a panel discussion of Virginia's COPN program. Speakers include Mercatus Center researchers Thomas Stratmann and Christopher Koopman as well as Vice President and General Counsel of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Brent Rawlings and Non-voting advisor with the Virginia COPN Work Group and Attorney at McCandlish Holton Jamie Baskerville Martin.  Former Virginia Delegate Chris Saxman will moderate the discussion.

Though space is limited, this event is free and open to the public, all General Assembly Members, and all state agency staff. Lunch will be provided.

Questions? Please contact Brittany Hunter at bhunter@mercatus.gmu.edu or 703-993-8297.