FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Answers about PDA, Certificate of Need, strategic planning, and how we work with healthcare organizations and public-sector clients.
About PDA
What does PDA do?
- PDA is a healthcare planning and management consulting firm. Since 1979 we've helped hospitals, health systems, providers, and government agencies with strategic planning, Certificate of Need applications, market research, community health assessments, and facility and capital planning.
How long has PDA been in business?
- Since 1979 — more than 45 years of healthcare planning and regulatory consulting.
What makes PDA different?
- Deep specialization. We focus on healthcare's most regulated, high-stakes decisions, pairing strategy with regulatory intelligence — and we back it with a 350+ CON application track record and an 87% approval rate.
Where is PDA located and who do you serve?
- We're based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and serve healthcare organizations and public-sector clients nationwide.
Certificate of Need
What is a Certificate of Need?
- A Certificate of Need (CON) is a state approval a healthcare organization must obtain before certain projects — building or expanding a facility, adding beds, acquiring major medical equipment, or offering new services. It requires proving the project is needed in the community.
Which states require a Certificate of Need?
- Roughly three dozen states and Washington, D.C., maintain some form of CON program, though requirements vary widely and change over time. PDA has prepared applications in North Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia. [VERIFY current state list before publishing.]
What is PDA's CON approval rate?
- 87% across 350+ applications representing more than $1 billion in project value.
How long does the CON process take?
- It varies by state and project, typically several months to over a year including review, public comment, and any appeals. [VERIFY per state.]
What goes into a CON application?
- Typically a demonstration of community need, market and demographic analysis, financial forecasts, competitive analysis, and alignment with the state health plan — plus a strategy to withstand comment and competing applications.
Can PDA help if our application is challenged?
- Yes. We provide litigation support and expert analysis for contested and competing CON cases.
Strategic Planning
What is healthcare strategic planning?
- It's the process of setting a healthcare organization's direction — which services to grow, where to invest, and how to respond to market and regulatory change — grounded in market data, demand forecasts, and financial analysis.
How often should we update our strategic plan?
- Most organizations revisit direction annually and run a deeper refresh every three to five years, or sooner after a major market, regulatory, or leadership shift.
Working with PDA
What does an engagement look like?
- It follows four stages: Assess the market and goals, Model the options with data, Plan the strategy or application, and Defend it through approval and execution.
Do you work with rural and community hospitals?
- Yes. Rural and community hospital planning is a core focus, including access strategy, service-line decisions, and rural health clinic development.
Do you work with government agencies?
- Yes. We provide healthcare planning, policy research, analytics, and facilitation for federal, state, and local agencies, including VA-related experience.
What is a community health needs assessment?
- A CHNA is a structured study of a community's health status, needs, and access gaps — often required for nonprofit hospitals — combining demographic, epidemiological, and stakeholder data to guide priorities.
Let's talk
Turn a complex healthcare challenge into a clear plan.
Whether you're weighing a new service line, preparing a Certificate of Need, planning a facility investment, or aligning leadership on direction — we can help you see the path forward.
Schedule a consultation