"Bed space is of primary concern. The onslaught of cases in China and Italy has stretched space to the breaking point, leading to heart-wrenching health rationing. Even in the US, where the worst is yet to come, some hospitals have already set up outdoor tents to accommodate the influx of patients. At 2.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people, the US already has fewer beds than many other countries such as Italy (3.2 beds per 1,000), China (4.3 beds per 1,000), or South Korea (12.3 beds per 1,000).
And yet, the number of acute care hospital beds that a facility is allowed is limited by CON laws in 28 states. This means a hospital cannot expand existing units without enduring an often-lengthy CON approval process. Some states not only require a certificate-of-need for a new hospital bed but also require one to transfer a bed between facilities. It is also common for states to require a CON if a hospital makes any investment above a certain dollar threshold. These sorts of rules should be repealed to give hospitals maximum flexibility. Hospitals and their staffs—not state administrators—should decide how many beds are needed."
And yet, the number of acute care hospital beds that a facility is allowed is limited by CON laws in 28 states. This means a hospital cannot expand existing units without enduring an often-lengthy CON approval process. Some states not only require a certificate-of-need for a new hospital bed but also require one to transfer a bed between facilities. It is also common for states to require a CON if a hospital makes any investment above a certain dollar threshold. These sorts of rules should be repealed to give hospitals maximum flexibility. Hospitals and their staffs—not state administrators—should decide how many beds are needed."