Department of Health and Human Services Adjusts Certificate of Need Cost Thresholds

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced new cost threshold amounts for the Certificate of Need (CON) program. This adjustment, mandated by G.S. §131E-176, reflects a 2.98% increase based on the Medical Care Index (MCI) of the Consumer Price Index as published by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Effective immediately, the updated thresholds will impact the development of diagnostic centers, new institutional health services, and the acquisition of major medical and replacement equipment.

The new cost thresholds are as follows:

New Institutional Health Service: $4,119,200
Diagnostic Centers: $3,089,400
Major Medical Equipment: $2,059,600
Replacement Equipment: $3,089,400

Health officials emphasize that these adjustments are crucial for keeping pace with inflationary pressures in the healthcare sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the new thresholds to understand how they may impact future projects and investments in healthcare infrastructure.

For further details, healthcare providers and interested parties can contact the Division of Health Service Regulation within the DHHS.