I am writing to you today on behalf of a community deeply
concerned about the well-being of our seniors and those requiring mental health
services in Arkansas.
The pathway to improving their healthcare access and
quality lies within our reach. The obstacle in question is Arkansas' Permits of Approval, or more
widely known as Certificate of Need (CON) laws.
The repercussions of maintaining the current CON laws are
profound and multifaceted:
- Limited
Healthcare Options for Our Most Vulnerable: The CON laws have directly
contributed to a scarcity of essential services, including long-term care
facilities, hospice care, and home health services. This scarcity
disproportionately affects our senior citizens and individuals in need of
mental health care, leaving them with fewer options and resources.
- Stifled
Innovation and Escalated Costs: By hindering competition, these laws
not only elevate healthcare costs but also stifle innovation.
- Delayed
Access to Vital Healthcare Services: The cumbersome and prolonged
process of obtaining a Certificate of Need can delay the establishment of
much-needed healthcare facilities for years. This delay affects the timely
provision of critical services.
By supporting this petition, you are not just advocating for
a policy change; you are championing the health and well-being of countless
Arkansans who deserve better. We urge you to consider the profound impact your
support for repealing the CON laws would have on our community's health
infrastructure.
Let us stand together in support of Arkansas' seniors and
mental health patients.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
