Health care certificate of need timeline extended

A bill that extends an application timeline for Nebraska health care facilities seeking to expand or increase capacity was approved Feb. 12.

The Nebraska Health Care Certificate of Need Act requires providers to demonstrate a need for their projects before opening new facilities, expanding existing facilities, increasing bed capacity or purchasing advanced technology.

Currently, applicants have one year to demonstrate certificate of need compliance with the option to appeal to the state Department of Health and Human Services for a one-year extension.

LB437, sponsored by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, extends the timeline for compliance to three years, while retaining the possible one-year extension.

Lawmakers approved the bill on a 47-0 vote.