State Health Planning and Certificate of Need (CON)

The Center for Health Planning develops and regulates the supply and distribution of health care facilities and services in Maryland through the State Health Plan, Certificate of Need programs, and related oversight.

Core Functions

 

State Health Plan

Develops and updates the State Health Plan, a body of regulation establishing criteria and standards for evaluating the need, cost, effectiveness, and viability of health care facility capital projects.

 

Facility Capacity Data

Collects annual data on service capacity and utilization across hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, assisted living, and intermediate care facilities.

 

CON Oversight Programs

Administers the Certificate of Need, Certificate of Conformance, and Certificate of Ongoing Performance programs that regulate health care service delivery by licensed facilities.

Explore This Section

Health Care Facility Services

Three surgeons in masks and gowns performing a procedure in an operating room.
Ambulatory Surgery
A doctor uses a stethoscope to examine an older woman during a medical appointment.
Cardiac Care
A nurse in blue scrubs smiles warmly at an elderly man seated in a wheelchair in a home care setting.
Home Health
A younger person with their arm around an older adult, both seated on a bed and facing a window.
Hospice
A doctor leans down to speak with an elderly patient seated in a wheelchair in a hospital hallway, while two nurses walk in the background.
Hospital
A caregiver stands beside a diverse group of older adults gathered around a dining table in a residential care setting.
Nursing Home

Regulatory Programs, Review & Oversight

Certificate of Need (CON)
Apply for, track, and manage Certificate of Need applications for health care facility capital projects in Maryland.
State Health Plan
Find the policies, criteria, and standards the Commission uses to evaluate Certificate of Need (CON) applications for health care facilities and services in Maryland.