Certificate of Need

Protect Access to Advanced Medical Imaging in Connecticut

Proposed changes to Connecticut’s Certificate of Need (CON) program could unintentionally put patients at risk—particularly those who rely on timely access to MRIs, CT scans, and other advanced imaging services.

The Office of Health Strategy is recommending a new expedited approval process that would allow certain providers to quickly acquire and install high-end medical imaging equipment without a public hearing or thorough review. This may sound efficient, but in practice it would create an uneven playing field, allowing well-resourced private practices to concentrate services in wealthier areas, while patients in urban and underserved communities—especially those on Medicaid—are left with fewer options.

Without changes to Section 5 of House Bill 7050 (p.5), this approach could siphon resources away from hospitals and community-based imaging centers that serve all patients, regardless of income or insurance status. We urge legislators to take a closer look at this proposal and either eliminate the expedited review process altogether or reinstate a full public hearing to ensure fairness and protect access for all.

Please ask your lawmakers to put patients and health equity first by opposing HB 7050 as currently drafted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certificate of Need (CON) process, and why does it matter for radiology?

Certificate of Need is a state requirement that ensures advanced medical imaging services—such as MRIs, CT scans, and mammograms—are available where they are needed most. It helps maintain high standards of care, prevent unnecessary duplication of services, and ensure patients have access to experienced radiologists who specialize in accurate, life-saving diagnoses.

Why should I be concerned about efforts to remove CON for radiology?

Legislation is being considered that could weaken or eliminate CON requirements for advanced imaging. This could lead to lower standards for imaging services, increased fragmentation of care, and reduced access to essential diagnostic procedures. Without CON protections, patients could face longer wait times, higher costs, and inconsistent quality in critical tests like mammograms and MRIs.

How does CON ensure high-quality radiology care?

Radiologists are highly trained medical doctors who specialize in interpreting complex imaging studies. Their expertise can mean the difference between catching a life-threatening condition early or missing a critical diagnosis. For example:

• Stroke vs. Migraine: A patient experiencing severe headaches and dizziness may need an immediate MRI to determine whether they are suffering from a life-threatening stroke or a less urgent condition like a migraine.
• Lung Cancer vs. Pneumonia: A persistent cough could indicate something as common as pneumonia or as serious as lung cancer. A high-quality CT scan, interpreted by an experienced radiologist, ensures that patients get the right treatment as quickly as possible.
• Pancreatic Cancer Screening: Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early, yet early diagnosis is critical for survival. Radiologists play a key role in interpreting high-quality CT scans and MRIs to identify small tumors that might otherwise be missed. Without timely, expert imaging, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late, limiting treatment options.

Without CON protections, there is a risk that imaging services will be delivered in settings that lack the necessary oversight and expertise, increasing the likelihood of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

How does this impact women’s health?

CON regulations help maintain access to essential services like mammograms and other women’s health screenings. Without these protections, imaging centers could be subject to inconsistent oversight, leading to disparities in access and quality of care, particularly in underserved areas.

Could eliminating CON lead to staffing shortages?

Yes. Connecticut, like much of the country, is already facing a healthcare staffing crisis. If advanced imaging services become fragmented due to the removal of CON, hospitals and established imaging centers could struggle to retain highly trained radiologists and imaging technologists. This could make it harder for patients to get timely and accurate diagnoses.

What does CON mean for continuity of care?

Continuity of care ensures that your imaging results are seamlessly integrated with your medical history and treatment plan. When imaging services are delivered in well-regulated environments with experienced radiologists, your doctors can make more informed decisions about your care. Removing CON could lead to uncoordinated imaging services, making it harder for physicians to track patient history and provide the best possible treatment.

What can I do to help?

If you believe that all Connecticut residents should have continued access to high-quality, patient-centered imaging services, contact your state legislators and let them know that you support keeping CON protections in place for advanced imaging procedures. Ask that they oppose House Bill 7050 in its current form.  Your voice matters in protecting patient care.