Research


Administrative History

Chapter 795 of Laws of 1965 grants the commissioner of health "The central, comprehensive responsibility for the development and administration of the state's policy with respect to hospital and related services??" The law prohibits any health care facility construction projects without prior approval of the commissioner (and the State Hospital Review and Planning Council and the appropriate Regional Hospital Planning Council); gives the commissioner the right to "inquire into the operation of hospitals" and to "conduct periodic inspections of facilities"; grants the commissioner the authority to approve and revoke hospital operating certificates. The law also directed formation of a unit for "hospital affairs" to assist the commissioner in carrying out its provisions. In 1966 the Bureau of Hospital Certification was created within the newly formed Division of Hospital Affairs to carry out this function.