NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer released the following statement today in response to the Senate vote on SB290, legislation that would repeal South Carolina’s decades-old requirement that hospitals get state permission before adding beds or buying expensive new medical equipment.

“South Carolina’s existing certificate of need mandate does little besides drive up costs while protecting providers from competition,” Homeyer said. “You don’t need to convince the state there’s a need before opening a new flower shop or car dealership. You shouldn’t need to convince state bureaucrats there’s a need for additional hospital space or cutting-edge technology that could hold down costs and save lives.

“Our members are urging their representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and vote ‘yes’ on Senate Bill 290,” Homeyer said. “South Carolina’s Main Street businesses need our elected leaders to do everything they can to improve the quality of care while encouraging the kind of competition that will hold prices in check.”