Cardiac Care Application Forms
The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) regulates cardiac care services in Maryland through three review processes: Certificate of Need (CON) for cardiac surgery programs, Certificate of Conformance (COC) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) services, and Certificate of Ongoing Performance (COP) for hospitals continuing to provide cardiac surgery or PCI services. This page provides the current application forms and supporting guidance documents for each review type.
Certificate of Ongoing Performance
The Certificate of Ongoing Performance (COP) is administered by the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) for hospitals providing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) services in Maryland. Hospitals must demonstrate continued compliance with quality, volume, and outcome standards. COP reviews ensure that cardiac care for Marylanders is safe and that any quality and safety concerns are addressed to preserve the health and wellbeing of patients who need intensive cardiac services.
View the Schedule for Certificate of Ongoing Performance Reviews (published in the Maryland Register 3/10/23)
(Updated 5/26)
(Updated 5/2025)
Certificate of Conformance
Hospitals in Maryland that want to establish a new primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) program must obtain a Certificate of Conformance from MHCC before doing so. Some programs may be exempt from this requirement under Health General §19-120.1(d).
Before August 18, 2014, when the current State Health Plan chapter for cardiac surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention services took effect, hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery could offer these services by obtaining a waiver from Certificate of Need review. That pathway is no longer available under the current regulations.
- PDF Version
- Word Version