SB0298: Certificates of public advantage.

Legislative Summary

Certificates of public advantage. Defines "merger" and "merger agreement" for purposes of the certificate of public advantage (certificate) for certain hospital mergers. Requires the state department of health (state department) to actively supervise a merger. Allows the state department to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization or a postsecondary educational institution to study the impacts of the certificate of public advantage on the community's health metrics and outcomes. Requires holders of a certificate to pay for reasonable charges incurred by the state department.