Maine recently passed a law that will make it easier to establish new healthcare facilities, including ASCs. Maine LD 1890 increased the monetary threshold that triggers the need for a certificate of need in the state. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the capital expenditure threshold that triggers CON review for a new healthcare facility will increase from $3 million to $7.5 million, with annual updates to the threshold to reflect changes in the medical care services group of the Consumer Price Index. The legislation became law without the governor’s signature on March 31.

Maine’s recent change joins other more noteworthy efforts to reform or repeal CON requirements at the state level. In 2023 and 2024, South Carolina and Tennessee both enacted legislation repealing CON requirements for ASCs, and North Carolina created a new, CON-exempt ASC licensing category in 2023.

Learn more: Maine Eases Certificate of Need Requirements