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Certificate of need · Maryland

Maryland certificate of need

Maryland has a certificate of need program, run by Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC). It covers 8 kinds of services, listed below.

Verified Oct 6, 2026Sources: official state and federal agencies

CON program
Yes
Services covered
8
On this page
Certificate of need

Maryland CON program

Maryland has a certificate of need program, run by Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC). It covers 8 kinds of services, listed below.

CON program
Yes
Program
Certificate of Need
Recent changes
MHCC reviews applications against seven criteria, including a health equity criterion (how the project addresses disparities in access and quality). MHCC updated its list of cost increases requiring Commission approval in July 2026. Comprehensive care facilities built by continuing care providers solely for their subscribers on campus are excluded from the definition of health care facility.
Statute
Md. Code, Health–General §19-114 et seq.; COMAR 10.24.01
Scope

Services that need a certificate of need

  • hospitals and limited service hospitals
  • related institutions (including comprehensive care facilities / nursing homes)
  • ambulatory surgical facilities
  • inpatient rehabilitation facilities
  • home health agencies
  • hospices
  • freestanding medical facilities
  • new facilities, relocations, bed capacity changes, changes in type or scope of service, and capital expenditures above the statutory threshold
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Maryland have a certificate of need law?

Maryland has a certificate of need program, run by Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC). It covers 8 kinds of services, listed below.