Subcommittee delays CON language after cardiology clinic warns amendment could affect cardiac cath operations

Representative Garrett presented House Bill 8-19 and an amendment to change the certificate-of-need (CON) treatment for selected services, removing acute care and certain freestanding services from CON review on a phased schedule. Garrett said the amendment phases acute care out in 2030 and other services by 2027 and that he planned a clarifying change to avoid affecting a recently approved cardiac catheterization facility.

Rob Gregory, administrator and CEO of Caring Hearts Cardiology in Johnson City, testified that his independent ambulatory cardiac center invested roughly $3,000,000 to open and had already performed hundreds of cardiac procedures. He said the facility's CON approval followed a lengthy process and that sudden changes could disrupt operations. "We estimate approximately $1,400,000 in savings to Medicare," Gregory told the committee, arguing the ASC model produced savings and local access. Committee members pledged to draft clarifying language to preserve facilities already approved and rolled HB 8-19 to the heel so the sponsor could add a timely amendment.

Lawmakers thanked Gregory and said the intent was not to harm existing investments. The committee did not take a final vote on the substance, instead asking the sponsor to submit amendment language for next week's calendar.