ANALYSIS: TRUE. State ‘certificate of need’ laws need to go. “CON laws require health care providers to obtain permission (usually from an appointed board) before opening a new health care facility, before using new technologies, and in some cases before purchasing new equipment. In addition to hospitals, health care facilities can include nursing homes or other long-term care centers, rehabilitation programs and ambulatory surgery centers. The provider must prove to the board or agency that the community ‘needs’ the new or expanded service, program or equipment. Existing providers are invited to challenge the application, making a large hurdle even taller.”