Certificate of need; delete requirement to obtain for psychiatric hospitals, renal disease facilities and additional facilities.

SB 2532 would eliminate Mississippi's certificate of need (CON) requirement for specific healthcare facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities, and psychiatric residential treatment centers. Starting July 1, 2026, the state health department would no longer need to approve new construction, expansion, or service offerings by these facilities. The bill specifically removes the CON requirement for psychiatric services that weren't regularly provided by the facility in the prior 12 months, and expands this exemption to additional mental health and specialized care settings. This change directly affects healthcare providers operating in these categories by reducing regulatory hurdles for service delivery. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.