The state Legislature has passed a bill that would make obtaining approval for most hospital repair and maintenance projects more efficient.

The bill’s author, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa), said many of these projects are delayed and end up costing more because “the current burdensome regulations can leave hospitals waiting for approval for vital, much-needed renovations for months and even years.

“It is not necessary for routine repairs and maintenance to undergo the same scrutiny as major projects such as building a new hospital wing. It wastes crucial time and money. This bill will help expedite hospital repairs without jeopardizing patients’ health and safety.”

The Certificate of Need (CON) program, administered through the New York State Department of Health (DOH), is a review process that governs the construction and renovation of New York State hospitals. Health care providers are required to submit a CON application to the DOH and obtain its approval or the State Hospital Review and Planning Council’s (SHRPC) approval before building new hospitals or renovating existing ones, and before acquiring major medical equipment.

Currently, the DOH has to approve all hospital construction projects in excess of $3 million, and the SHRPC has to approve projects in excess of $10 million. In addition, the DOH is not required to act on CON applications within a specific time frame.

Assemblywoman Russell’s legislation would eliminate the requirement for prior approval, regardless of the project’s cost, for projects, such as routine repairs or maintenance; non-clinical infrastructure projects, such as expanding parking lots, replacing roofs, elevators and heating, ventilating and air systems; and equipment replacements, including acquiring state-of-the-art equipment to be used in place of outdated equipment.

“I urge the governor to sign this bill into law,” Russell said. “It streamlines the review process, cuts red tape and helps improve patients’ health and well-being by helping hospitals install the most up-to-date medical technology in a timely and efficient way.”