Certificate of Need

Certificate of Need is a regulatory review process that requires application to the Department of Public Health for and receipt of a certificate of need prior to the offering or development of a new or changed institutional health service. Potential applicants include hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient surgery centers or anyone purchasing medical equipment valued above $1.5 million. Projects proposed by providers are reviewed by department staff and the State Health Facilities Council against the criteria specified in the law.

Meetings and Deadlines

• 2023 Meetings and Deadlines - Updated 9-9-2022
• Link to Meeting Information Page

Guidelines

• Affected Party Guidelines
• Letter of Intent Guidelines
• Applicant Guidelines
• CON Process Flowchart

State Health Facilities Council

The State Health Facilities Council is a five-member body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate. Members are appointed to a six-year term. Authority for the State Health Facilities Council is contained in the Code of Iowa Chapter 135.61-.83. The responsibility for providing administrative support for the Council rests with the Iowa Department of Public Health. It is the council's mandate to assure that growth and changes in the health care system occur in an orderly, cost-effective manner, and that the system is adequate and efficient.

Iowa Code

• Iowa Code sections 135.61 through 135.83

Iowa Administrative Code

• 641 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 202
• 641 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 203 - Radiation Therapy Standards (203.3) Revised and Effective 11-10-2021

List of Applications on File

• List of current applications - Updated 1-11-2023

List of Letters of Intent

• List of active letters of intent - Updated 1-11-2023

Annual Reports

For annual reports prior to SFY 2020, please contact Becky Swift at 515-218-4969.

• FY 2022 Annual Report
• FY 2021 Annual Report
• FY 2020 Annual Report

Other Information

• Updated Application forms
• Long-term care bed need formula spreadsheet (January 2023)
• Memorandum regarding Air Ambulances and Certificate of Need 

For more information:

Becky Swift
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
Phone: (515) 218-4969

All media inquiries should be directed to Sarah Ekstrand, IDPH Public Information Officer, at sarah.ekstrand@idph.iowa.gov

Use the "Contact Us" page to submit questions online.