The Acute Care Service Committee of the State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) has adopted the recommendations of the Acute Care Services Workgroup to change the bed-need methodology, which would result in a need of 386 new acute care beds across the state. However, in the wake of the recently enacted health reform legislation, the Committee also voted to recommend a moratorium on beds, because the effect of that legislation will put increased pressure on hospitals and other providers to use resources more efficiently. Hospitals who can make a special case for additional bed need in their service area will be encouraged to use the petition process. The Committee’s recommendation will go to the full State Health Coordinating Council on May 12.
