Repeal CON

Midlands Physicians Specialists supports full repeal of the Certificate of Need Laws in South Carolina (CON). Currently the Midlands Cancer Center was awarded a CON that is being appealed by Radiation Oncology LLC (PRISMA), and South Carolina Oncology Associates (SCOA). This has stopped the development of a State of the Art Cancer Center This Center as approved will provide the most Advanced Cancer Treatment, Tomotherapy, in Northeast Columbia. 

Did You Know:

1. The Department of Health and Environmental Control can issue a CON, and still a competitor can challenge the award in administrative Court? 
2. SC ranks 15th in cancer mortality rate. But 16% of Cancer CON applications were withdrawn, opponents were involved in 53%, attracting “requests for review” for 32% of them. 
3. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) specialize in same-day surgery at a lower price. But 38% of ASC applications were withdrawn. Opponents were involved with 46%, and 35% attracted a “request for review.”
4. 4 Rural Hospitals have closed in South Carolina while 0 new rural projects have been submitted to DHEC for approval. In similar states without CON, 9 new rural projects are under development.
5. 17 South Carolina Counties do not have a hospital or ASC.
6. As of January 2023 17 healthcare expansion projects are under appeal representing $673,764,459.00 dollars in Healthcare investments (CON Report January 2023), that are being blocked from expanding healthcare choices
7. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in SC. But 23% of Cardiac-Related CON applications were withdrawn. Opponents were involved in 26%, which led to 39% receiving “requests for review.”
8. CON states have higher healthcare costs than non-CON states
9. SC Senate Votes for full CON Repeal
10. Last Session, the House Committee Ways and Means killed the repeal. He now works for a hospital who supports CON.