It is one of 37 states with a certificate-of-need program, and unlike some, Virginia's is more than a mere formality.
Many states in the United States have certificate-of-need (CON) programs designed to restrain health care costs and prevent overutilization of health care resources.
Before the nursing home project could get under way, the New York State Department of Health had to issue a certificate of need.
In New York, unlike most states, no hospital can expand or add significant new services without a "certificate of need" from the Department of Health.
Mr. Siegelman is said to have replied, "the CON board," referring to the state Certificate of Need board, which approves hospital projects.
If a hospital wanted to build a new wing or buy a new machine, it had to apply for something called a certificate of need from the state and show that the community needed the new service.
Late last year, Bon Secours Health Care System, a Maryland-based company that owns the 328-bed Catholic hospital, filed a certificate of need with the State Department of Health and Senior Services seeking to close it, citing the rising cost of providing health care and the shrinking profit margin.
After Scrushy had given the first half of his contribution, Siegelman reappointed him to Alabama's Certificate of Need Review Board (the CON Board), which regulates health care in the state.
A review of her public statements, signed and vetoed bills, and interviews with people in state government provide insight into Ms. Palin's positions on other statewide issues: HEALTH CARE Ms. Palin proposed eliminating a requirement that new medical facilities receive a "certificate of need" from the state before opening.
