Legislation introduced in Trenton would remove geographic restrictions that currently limit where ambulatory care facilities providing surgical services can relocate.
TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would eliminate a longstanding restriction governing the relocation of ambulatory care facilities that provide surgical and related services.
Assembly Bill A1516, sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), would amend state health care licensing laws by removing language that limits where certain ambulatory surgical facilities may move.
Key Points
• The bill removes a 20-mile relocation restriction for ambulatory surgical facilities.
• Current law generally limits relocations to within 20 miles of a facility’s existing location or to a designated Health Enterprise Zone.
• The legislation would take effect immediately if enacted.
Current Law Limits Relocation Distance
Under existing New Jersey law, ambulatory care facilities licensed to provide surgical and related services face restrictions when relocating.
The statute currently provides that a relocation generally must remain within 20 miles of the facility’s existing location or move to a designated Health Enterprise Zone, subject to review and approval by the Commissioner of Health.
The bill would strike that geographic limitation from state law while leaving in place the requirement that proposed relocations continue to receive regulatory review and approval.
Measure Targets Licensing Requirements
The legislation amends Section 12 of P.L.1971, c.136, which governs the licensing and oversight of health care facilities in New Jersey. The proposal does not alter other licensure requirements, ownership review provisions, accreditation standards, or operational regulations that apply to ambulatory surgical facilities.
According to the bill’s statement, the sole purpose of the legislation is to remove statutory language preventing a new license from being issued when a facility relocates beyond the current mileage threshold or outside a Health Enterprise Zone.
Sponsor Seeks Greater Flexibility
Supporters of the measure argue that eliminating the relocation restriction could provide health care operators with greater flexibility when selecting sites for expansion, modernization, or consolidation.
The bill was introduced and remains pending further consideration in the New Jersey Legislature. If approved by lawmakers and signed into law, the measure would take effect immediately.