The legislature needs to seriously consider changing the state COPN regulations. The hospitals claim they need the COPN regulations to keep financially viable operations due to Medicaid and uninsured patients. Who do they think treats these patients?? The physicians! The hospitals are not the only ones treating patients and not getting paid.

Also, with higher deductibles on health plans the insured patients have to pay more out of pocket. Some competition would lower the costs of diagnostic testing (CT/MRI) that is done in the hospital only. The hospitals can gouge the system with no competition.

Please consider that Virginians are paying higher costs and are experiencing reduced access to care due to the COPN regulations.