Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-1-6-.06

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 8, May 31, 2024

Section 410-1-6-.06 - Additional Criteria For Determining Need

(1) The following criteria shall be considered in determining whether a need for the project exists, which criteria shall be in addition to the criteria set forth in Section 410-1-6-.05:

(a) The need that the population served or to be served has for the services proposed to be offered, expanded, or relocated, will be considered. Specific data supporting the demonstration of need shall be reasonable, relevant, and appropriate. In cases involving the relocation of a facility or service, the extent to which a need will be met adequately by the proposed relocation or by alternative arrangements, and the effect of the relocation of the service on the ability of affected persons to obtain needed health care will be examined in determining whether there is a need for the proposed facility or service.

(b) Population Statistics and Growth. Unless clearly shown otherwise, current population estimates or projections published by the Center for Business and Economic Research, University of Alabama, and data from the SHPDA Division of Data Management will be considered to be the most reliable data available. Population factors are normally included within those methodologies contained in the State Health Plan for determining need.

(c) Current and Projected Utilization in the Area. The current and projected utilization of like facilities or services within the proposed service area will be considered in determining the need for additional facilities or services. Unless clearly shown otherwise, data, where available from the SHPDA Division of Data Management shall be considered to be the most reliable data available.

1. Current and projected utilization may be expressed in the State Health Plan as a guideline to the SHPDA Board. Where such is the case, the SHPDA Board should give due consideration to the guidelines.

(d) Specialization of the Facility or Service. The allocation of beds in the appropriate state plan addresses a general medical surgical bed need as well as a bed need for certain specialized services in the area. An applicant proposing to use such general medical surgical beds for a reviewable limited purpose service, such as obstetrical, must prove a need or an additional need in the service area.

(e) Effect on Existing Facilities or Services. The probable effect of the proposed facility or service on existing facilities or services providing similar services to those proposed shall be considered. When the service area of the proposed facility or service overlaps the service area of an existing facility or service, then the effect on the existing facility or service shall be considered. The applicant or interested party must clearly present the methodologies, and assumptions upon which any proposed project's impact on utilization in affected facilities or services is calculated.

1. Expanded Services or New Services. Expansion of existing services may be reviewed more favorably than the establishment of new services as a generally more cost effective alternative, however, the availability and accessibility of services must be considered.

2. Merger, Sharing, or Modernization of Services. Any merger of services into one facility or entity from two or more facilities or entities which can be shown to result in lower health care costs without adversely affecting need of access will be considered a favorable factor. Sharing of services which result in lower health care cost shall be considered a favorable factor. Modernization of services as an alternative to new construction which result in lower health care costs shall be considered a favorable factor.

(f) Community Reaction to the Facility or Service. The community reaction to the facility should be considered. The applicant may, at its option, submit endorsements from community officials and individuals expressing their reaction to the proposal. If significant opposition to the proposal is expressed in writing or at a public hearing, the opposition may be considered an adverse factor and weighed against endorsements received. Absence of opposition may be considered a favorable factor.

Author:

Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-1-6-.06

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-21-264.