Repeals the certificate of need process.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the certificate of need process, codified as part V of chapter 323D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is obstructive, overreaching, impossibly bureaucratic and cumbersome, and obsolete. There may have been a time when the certificate of need may have made sense. This is no longer true. Criticisms from both the public and private sectors have been leveled at the necessity for and the operation of the certificate of need process. It has been made abundantly clear the current government controls without the operation of the certificate of need process, in conjunction with market forces in the health care industry are adequate to manage and develop health care-related facilities and services in the State.

The purpose of this Act is to eliminate the certificate of need process in the State.

SECTION 2. Chapter 323D, part V, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

SECTION 3. The legislative reference bureau shall prepare proposed conforming legislation to make necessary amendments to statutes affected by the repeal of part V of chapter 323D, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The legislative reference bureau shall transmit such proposed legislation to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2002.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.