How does Maryland's rate-setting environment affect CON strategy?

Because Maryland regulates hospital rates through the HSCRC global-budget system, CON applications must model financial performance within that framework rather than assuming standard commercial reimbursement. [VERIFY.]

What is a comparative review in Maryland?

When multiple applicants seek to fill the same need, MHCC may docket the applications together and evaluate them against one another under State Health Plan criteria before issuing a decision. [VERIFY.]

CON · Maryland

Certificate of Need Consultant in Maryland

Maryland's CON program is administered by the Maryland Health Care Commission and operates within one of the country's most distinctive rate-regulation environments. Applications must speak to both the State Health Plan and the payment context created by the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

The Maryland program

Reviewing agency: Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC).

What's reviewable: Hospitals, ambulatory surgery beyond specified thresholds, comprehensive care facilities, home health, hospice, and other services under the State Health Plan. [VERIFY.]

Typical timeline: Docketing and review typically spans 6–12 months, with contested cases extending timelines through evidentiary hearings and Commission decision. [VERIFY.]

MHCC evaluates applications against detailed COMAR provisions and service-specific State Health Plan chapters. Docketing decisions, comparative reviews, and evidentiary hearings shape outcomes. Maryland's global-budget hospital environment means financial narratives must integrate with existing rate structures.

PDA in Maryland

PDA has supported Maryland hospitals, ASC operators, and post-acute providers with applications and expert analysis calibrated to MHCC's methodology and Maryland's unique payment landscape.

Maryland CON frequently asked questions

How does Maryland's rate-setting environment affect CON strategy?: Because Maryland regulates hospital rates through the HSCRC global-budget system, CON applications must model financial performance within that framework rather than assuming standard commercial reimbursement. [VERIFY.]
What is a comparative review in Maryland?: When multiple applicants seek to fill the same need, MHCC may docket the applications together and evaluate them against one another under State Health Plan criteria before issuing a decision. [VERIFY.]

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