How To Apply for a DC Certificate of Need.

Letter of Intent. 

The first step in the DC CON application process is to file a letter of intent to the SHPDA. This letter informs the SHPDA that the applicant will file a CON application and sets forth the key points of the proposed application. A CON application must be filed within 180 days of the submission of the letter of intent.

Public Notice.

Applicants must place an advertisement in newspaper of general circulation in DC generally describing their proposed project and stating that a letter of intent was filed with the SHPDA.

Waiting Period.

There is a statutory 60-day waiting period between the submission of the letter of intent and the filing of an application. The SHPDA may waive this period at its discretion.

Pre Application Conference.

Before the CON application is filed, the SHPDA staff will conduct a pre application conference to review criteria, standards, procedures and timelines that will be followed during the review process.

Submission of the CON Application.

Three hard copies of the CON application shall be filed with the SHPDA along with the required government fees. Certain exemptions and discounts may apply.

Once the application is declared complete, the review period begins. Each review period begins on the 20th of the month. For an application to be considered on the 20th of the month, it must be deemed complete by no later than the 10th of the same month. In most cases, the SHPDA must complete the review of the CON application within 90 days.

Public Hearings During the SHPDA Review.

During the first 30 days of the CON application review period, any interested person may request a public hearing. A public hearing may be requested by the SHPDA either in its discretion or pursuant to statutory requirements.

SHCC Project Review Committee Consideration.

The SHPDA review and analysis must be reviewed by the Project Review Committee of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC). Applicants may make a brief presentation of the proposed project and respond to questions.

The SHPDA Director’s Consideration and Action.

Once the SHPDA Director receives the SHCC’s recommendations, the Director will issue a decision within a few days after the SHCC’s action.

Read: Why it is important to hire a healthcare attorney who is knowledgeable about DC CON.