As of July, 12 states across the U.S. have no CON laws, allowing practices to open new locations with less regulatory approval.
Here are four notable CON reforms in four states from recent months:
North Carolina: By the end of 2025, ASCs will no longer be required to obtain a CON in counties with a population in excess of 125,000 people. In addition, orthopedic and spine practices seeking to open an ASC in smaller counties should see fewer regulatory hurdles.
South Carolina: CON laws have recently been repealed for this state’s ASCs, making it easier for orthopedic practices to grow N ASC presence in the state.
Tennessee: Effective Dec. 1, 2027, the CON requirement for ASCs in this state will be lifted.
Georgia: Georgia now exempts certain single-specialty ASCs from its CON laws if they are owned by a single physician or practice, and fall below certain capital expenditure and operating room thresholds. Certain joint-ventured ASCs with hospitals are also exempt from Georgia CON requirements. Single-specialty orthopedic ASCs will now have more flexibility in the state.