Speed Alabama hospital OKs, study says

A report from the Birmingham-based Alabama Policy Institute argues that the state's certificate of need laws limit hospital competition that might drive down medical costs and give patients more choices. Alabama currently requires certificate of need approval for new medical construction or renovations costing more than $4.5 million, and for medical equipment purchases over $2.3 million. Hospitals that want to offer a new service must also get the OK from state health planners.