NASHVILLE, TN – The Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) today applauds Tennessee's Certificate of Need Reform Working Group’s report proposing significant changes to the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws that will help increase access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for residents across the state. 

“Repealing CON requirements for vital healthcare services and facilities like acute care hospitals and freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) is critical to ensuring access to care keeps pace with the state’s growing population,” said CFIF President Jeff Mazzella. “The thoughtful recommendations outlined in the CON Reform Working Group’s plan represent significant progress toward that end. 

“CFIF strongly supports the working group’s recommendations and urges the 113th General Assembly to pass legislation reflecting those recommendations to help ensure Tennesseans across the state have access to the care they depend on,” Mazzella concluded.

Recent public opinion data released by CFIF shows that more than half (56 percent) of Tennessee GOP voters are increasingly worried about access to care in their communities, and nearly three-quarters (74 percent) think there should be less government regulation in healthcare. Additionally, after hearing statements supporting and opposing CON laws, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of voters support CON repeal. 

Additionally, CFIF publicized a coalition letter signed by a diverse group of healthcare providers and practitioners, academics and public interest organizations urging Governor Bill Lee and the 113th General Assembly to fully repeal Tennessee’s CON laws this session. 

Read the coalition letter HERE. 

Read the full public opinion survey memo HERE.

Read CFIF’s one-page overview of the public opinion survey results HERE.

Founded in 1998, the Center for Individual Freedom is a non-profit, constitutional and free-market advocacy organization with more than 300,000 activists and supporters across the nation, including thousands in Tennessee.

###