To exempt psychiatric hospitals or units from the rationing restrictions imposed under a state Certificate of Need law that requires medical service providers to get permission from a panel of existing providers before investing in a new or expanded facilities. In return for the exemption, private psychiatric hospitals and units would have to maintain half the beds for "public patients," defined as ones receiving social welfare benefits, or subject to a treatment order signed by a clinical psychiatrist, or deemed by a court to be a threat to themselves or others. See also Senate Bill 669.   Official Text and Analysis.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted.

With the recommendation that a much narrower substitute (H-3) be adopted; see House-passed bill for more.

To raise from $2.5 million to $10 million the dollar amount of certain "capital expenditures" by a hospital or other medical services provider that triggers requirements to get permission first from a "Certificate of Need" board comprised of other hospitals and medical facilities. It would also create exceptions for a particular facility in small county, and appears to exempt air ambulance services from this medical services rationing scheme.