Advocates launch coalition to improve healthcare in Virginia

Healthcare providers, patients, payers, advocates and other concerned Virginia residents have partnered to launch the Virginia Coalition to Reform COPN, with the goal of addressing the Commonwealth’s outdated Certificate of Public Need program that raises healthcare costs and limits patients’ options.

COPN is a law that requires healthcare providers and facilities to get permission from the government before they can offer certain services, purchase certain equipment or expand their facilities. For example, in Virginia a provider must obtain a COPN before they can purchase a MRI or CT machine for use in their facility. COPN increases healthcare costs, threatens access to care and limits competition and innovation.

“As a physician, I know firsthand the care our patients need and how much they will benefit from significant COPN reform, said Dr. John Bowman, the Chief Medical Officer for OrthoVirginia. “Simply put, the current COPN program is outdated and it serves as a barrier for patients receiving the high-value, affordable care they deserve.”

The Coalition to Reform COPN has created a website at www.reformvacopn.com as an information resource and grassroots action center where concerned Virginia residents can learn more about COPN and sign up to help increase access to affordable healthcare services.

“We invite anyone who has an interest in bringing down healthcare costs, promoting innovation and raising patient access to crucial medical services to join our effort,” said Bowman. “Virginians will directly benefit from changing our COPN laws. It’s time to reform COPN and put patients first.”

The Virginia Coalition to Reform COPN will advocate for legislation that deregulates COPN during the 2017 General Assembly session.

About the Virginia Coalition to Reform COPN

The Coalition to Reform COPN is comprised of health care providers, patients, payers, advocates and other concerned Virginia residents. The coalition seeks to amend Virginia’s current laws to decrease regulation and improve healthcare in our Commonwealth.

Find out more at www.reformvacopn.com.