The development of certificate of need legislation.

This article examines the development of Certificate of Need (CON) legislation in the United States. Over time, CON legislation developed into efforts to contain rising health care costs, while maintaining quality of care. In recent years, numerous states have begun to reevaluate the current impact of CON regulations, and ask whether the programs should be discontinued. State regulators as well as academic researchers must address the costs vs. benefits of such legislation. Specific measures within such regulations must be addressed in order for health policy makers, administrators, and researchers to help meet the escalating demand for health services.