Review Process

The Certificate of Need (CoN) program is a regulatory process that requires certain health care providers to obtain state approval before building certain types of facilities or offering new or expanded services.

Program staff members are available to provide technical assistance to you before submitting your application. Staff members are also available to help you determine if a CoN is necessary.

General Timelines for Certificate of Need Application

Application Activity Regular Review Expedited Review Concurrent Review
Submission of letter of intent Minimum of 30 days prior to applications submission (six-month validity from date of receipt). Minimum of 30 days prior to applications submission (six-month validity from date of receipt). Submitted in conformance with published schedule for type of project under review. Good for only one review cycle.
Application submission After 30 days has lapsed and no later than six months after the department's receipt of Letter of Intent. After 30 days has lapsed and no later than six months after the department's receipt of Letter of Intent. Submitted in conformance with published schedule for type of project under review.
Application screening Within 15 working days after application submission. Within 15 working days after application submission. Within 30 days after application submission.

Applicant response

(Applicant may request the screening and response activity be conducted a second time.)

Within 45 days of receiving department's request for additional information.

(Additional responses to screening letters will be accepted up to 10 days after the notice of Beginning of Review.)

Within 45 days of receiving department's request for additional information.

(Additional responses to screening letters will be accepted up to 10 days after the notice of Beginning of Review.)

Within 30 days of receiving department's request for additional information.
Formal review period

(Formal review begins on fifth working day after applicant's request to begin review, or the department declares the application complete.)

A total of 90 days

First 35 days open to general public comment and conducting a public hearing if requested.

Last 10 days open for applicant/ interested persons rebuttal statements submitted during first 35 days of public comment period

Last 45 days ex parte period. Department is preparing written analysis and decision.

A total of 50 days

First 20 days open to general public comment.

Last 10 days open for applicant/ interested persons rebuttal statements submitted during first 20 days of public comment period.

No public hearing conducted on projects qualifying for expedited review.

Last 20 days exparte period. Department is preparing written analysis and decision.

A total of 135 days

First 60 days open to general public comment and conducting a public hearing if requested.

Last 30 days open for applicant/ interested persons rebuttal statements submitted during first 60 days of public comment period

Last 45 days ex parte period. Department is preparing written analysis and decision.

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