An interesting article at Carolina Journal suggests the NC State Supreme Court is hearing a case that challenges our state’s certificate of need (CON) process. This is the law that essentially grants hospital systems monopoly status by protecting them from competition.
This case has relevance here in Greensboro because Atrium Wake Forest Baptist has proposed a new hospital to compete with the Cone system. It has survived the first step of the CON process but appeals will follow.
It is clear that the Republicans in the General Assembly will not eliminate this process. There is too much special interest money involved.
The CON law is blatantly unjust. Nearly every other business in North Carolina is subject to competition, but hospitals are deliberately insulated from it.
Let’s hope the justices exhibit courage and do the right thing.
Yes. Let’s hope the Supreme Court renders the right decision.
I think it is a good thing that the constitutional issue is being examined. As the article states, monopolies are forbidden by our state constitution.