States’ Course Change on Certificate of Need Laws & More

States Easing Up on Certificate of Need Laws

Over a dozen states have introduced or are considering legislation this year to scale back their certificate of need (CON) laws requiring healthcare providers to obtain government approval before building or expanding facilities. At least a dozen states have already repealed or allowed their CON laws—formerly a ubiquitous strategy for controlling healthcare costs—to expire in an effort to spur construction of medical facilities, particularly in underserved rural areas. (PLURIBUS NEWS)

Bill to Regulate AI Therapy in CA

California Sen. Steve Padilla (D) introduced a bill (SB 903) that would ban artificial intelligence from providing or advertising therapy or psychotherapy services without oversight by a licensed professional. The measure comes amid growing popularity of “AI therapists.” (IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET)

Drug Affordability Board Measure Advances in VA

Virginia’s Senate Commerce and Labor Committee advanced a bill (HB 483) that would create a prescription drug affordability board with the power to limit drug prices. The state’s General Assembly has passed similar legislation twice before, but it was vetoed both times by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). New Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) position on the measure was unknown. (VIRGINIA SCOPE, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK

Visit our webpage to connect with a LexisNexis® State Net® representative and learn how the State Net legislative and regulatory tracking service can help you identify, track, analyze and report on relevant legislative and regulatory developments.