the Need​ for Expansion: 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan

the “2025 State Medical Facilities Plan” ⁤ released by the North Carolina Department of​ Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) ‍identified a need for 129 additional acute care ‍beds within the service ​areas of Buncombe, Graham, Madison, ​and Yancey counties. This determination triggers the state’s certificate-of-need process, requiring healthcare providers to demonstrate a⁢ community need and financial viability before ⁢expanding capacity.

The ⁢CON process is designed to control healthcare costs and prevent unnecessary​ duplication of services. ⁣ Applicants‌ must prove their proposed expansion aligns with the state’s healthcare goals and won’t unduly strain ⁣resources. the application deadline is october 15,2024,with the NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation ⁣beginning its review on November 1,2024.

The Contenders

Four⁢ health systems ⁣have signaled their intent to compete for⁢ the coveted ​129 beds. Here’s a breakdown of each⁢ applicant:

1. UNC Health

UNC Health,based in Chapel Hill,North Carolina,in partnership with UNC Health Pardee in Hendersonville,North Carolina,plans to‍ submit a proposal for a 129-bed ⁢community hospital in Buncombe⁢ County.‍ A UNC Health spokesperson ⁢confirmed this ⁢to⁢ Becker’s Hospital Review on ‍October 7, 2024.

The proposed hospital aims to leverage UNC Health Pardee’s ‍established ​presence and UNC Health’s statewide ⁢commitment to improve access to care in the rapidly growing​ western North Carolina ⁣region.⁤ The health system emphasizes its dedication to public service and experience in the area as key strengths of its application.

2. Mission health (HCA Healthcare)

Mission Hospital, part of Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, is also pursuing the 129-bed expansion.‌ A spokesperson for Mission Health confirmed their‌ application to Becker’s Hospital Review. Mission Hospital currently serves as a regional referral⁣ center, accepting transfers from other facilities when specialized care is needed.

Mission Health’s application⁣ is highly likely to highlight its role as a high-level ⁣medical care provider and its existing infrastructure to support the ​increased bed capacity. They currently accept “thousands of transfers each year from ‍other hospitals that have⁤ available ⁤beds,” suggesting a critical need for their specialized services.

3. AdventHealth

AdventHealth,a national non-profit health system,is also competing for the beds,according to reporting from the Asheville Citizen Times ‌on ​october 9, 202